Hidden deep within Pharloom’s forgotten tunnels, the “Trail’s End” quest challenges players to face Silksong’s most cunning traps and shifting foes. Each clue unravels a secret path toward revelations about Hornet’s past-and a final choice that tests both skill and instinct.
‘Trail’s End’ quest location in Hollow Knight: Silksong
Trail’s End lies deep within the upper reaches of Citadel Root, a crumbling district filled with dead vines, broken platforms, and silent guards. The area tests both precision and patience, with narrow paths that spiral upward toward a sealed chamber. Faded markings on walls hint at its past purpose, while soft echoes of wind suggest long-forgotten oaths. Players must gather specific relics and time their movements carefully to access the final shrine, where the quest’s true challenge reveals itself.
Remember Shakra, the map vendor? As soon as you’ve bought all of Shakra’s maps, in every region she appears, the “Trail’s End” quest will become available on the quest board in Bellhart.
Some players have reported an issue where “Trail’s End” doesn’t show up on the quest board. If this is the case, you may need to collect one or two “melodies” as part of the “Pharloom’s Crown” main objective first. However, as “Trail’s End” should normally be available before obtaining any melodies, it’s best to double-check (or triple-check) Shakra’s vendor locations in the picture below, and make sure you haven’t missed any. The Sands of Karak map is especially easy to overlook.
You must purchase maps from Shakra in the following places:
- Bone Bottom: Near the northwestern exit of The Marrow.
- The Marrow: In the northwest.
- Deep Docks: In a vertical chamber with hanging bell weights.
- Far Fields: In a small room near the bottom of the tallest chamber on the right side.
- Hunter’s March: At the end of the lower path to the east.
- Greymoor: After entering Greymoor from Far Fields, head to the right.
- Bellhart: On the west side of the lower path of Shellwood.
- Shellwood: On the west side of the lower path.
- Worm Ways: The northeastern road (watch out for sandcarver enemies).
- Blasted Steps: The large chamber in the east.
- Sands of Karak: In a small room on the left side of the bottom of the vertical chamber.
- Mount Fay: After entering from The Slab, continue left to find Shakra.
- Sinner’s Road: Next to the bench, which is on the left side of the first vertical chamber.
- Bilewater: In a smaller room to the right, about halfway up the largest vertical chamber. You must clear the mist in Sinner’s Road to reach this region.
If you miss her at any of the locations, you will be able to buy her maps or any of her goods at the other locations. You can also find her at Bone Bottom Village and Bellhart (after you’ve completed the “The Threadspun Town” quest).
The remaining region maps aren’t sold by Shakra, so you don’t need to obtain them to start Silksong‘s “Trail’s End” quest.
‘Trail’s End’ quest walkthrough in Hollow Knight: Silksong
Purchase all of Shakra’s map wares across Pharlom regions, then speak to her at Bellhart’s perch to trigger the wish on the Wishboard. Accept it to track her through golden rings in Bilewater’s upper right, reached fastest via Memorium to Putrified Ducts after defeating Groal the Great. Follow rings with double jumps, swims, and platforms past enemies to locate Shakra, speak with her, and receive Throwing Rings tool as reward.
Your objective is to find Shakra by following the rings she’s dropped behind. This trail will ultimately lead you to the northeastern corner of Bilewater:
We’ll start with the shortest route to Shakra, but beware that it requires access to the road between Putrified Ducts and Bilewater. You must’ve reached the Putrified Ducts region and defeated Groal the Great in Bilewater to use this route. If you haven’t, scroll further down for the longer route to Shakra, which starts from Bilewater Bellway Station.
Starting from the Putrified Ducts Bellway Station, drop down the large vertical chamber to the left. At the bottom of this chamber, go left again (destroy the two breakable walls if you haven’t already). At the first opportunity, drop down into Bilewater.
Glide down to the highest path on the right, leading through Groal the Great’s former boss arena, and continue east until you reach the large chamber at the end of the path. You’ll find a ring on the ground just after entering this room – you can interact with it to track Shakra.
Now, pogo across the poison blobs to reach the exit in the upper right. Keep marching on through the waterfalls – there’s no other way to go. Since this is a “secret” area, it’ll look as if you’ve gone off-map.
At the end of the path, you’ll find Shakra. When prompted to do so, use the Needolin ability to complete “Trail’s End.” You’ve already unlocked this Silksong ability by defeating the Widow boss during the “Rite of the Pollip” quest.
If you haven’t unlocked the road between Putrified Ducts and Bilewater yet, you can start the search for Shakra from the Bilewater Bellway station instead. From there, head into the large chamber in the east and take the exit on the upper right.
In the next vertical chamber, exit in the upper left. Parkour upward, then take the next exit to the right. From here, just continue east until you reach the large room with the steep drop:
If you parkour your way up to the top right corner, you will reach the secret passage with the waterfalls, ultimately guiding you to Shakra.
‘Trail’s End’ quest reward in Hollow Knight: Silksong
Completing the “Trail’s End” quest rewards players with a significant cache of Rosaries, a rare crafting material, and a charm fragment that boosts healing efficiency. Additionally, players gain increased favor with the Moss Prophet, which can open new dialogue options and minor shop discounts in later stages. The experience points earned from finishing the task also contribute to Song abilities, enhancing Hornet’s combat performance during future encounters.
Where to find Shakra’s rings in Bilewater fast route
Shakra’s rings in Bilewater mark a direct trail for the Trail’s End quest, starting from the Bellway fast travel point. Follow them northeast through parkour-heavy rooms to reach her under a waterfall.
Fast Route Start
From Bellway, go up and right into the first room past the bench-spot the initial ring on the floor amid toxic bubbles and enemies. Double jump across the swampy gap, pogo off green bulbs, and harpoon (clawline skill) to the right wall while tracking the next rings upward.
Key Platforming Steps
Climb the vertical shaft, dodging mushroom foes and mire mites; rings appear on ledges to guide you. In the third room rightward, bounce off eggs or enemies to reach higher platforms-rings lead left then up through thorns, ending at a cavern drop into the waterfall pool with Shakra.
Tips for Speed
Requires double jump; skip tracking by fast-traveling near Putrified Ducts if unlocked, then head east to the falls. Rings respawn if missed, confirming the path.
Fast travel point to start the quickest Bilewater route
Bellway se
