2021 (All Year)
Hike 100 Challenge
The Hike 100 Challenge is back in 2021 for its sixth year. Hike 100 miles on the NCT in the calendar year 2021 (January 1 through December 31), tell us about it, then receive your patch and certificate!
Hike It.
Build It.
Love It.
Your Adventure Starts Here
The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest in the National Trails System, stretching 4,700 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont, traversing forests and farmlands, remote terrain and nearby communities. Whether you’re looking to day-hike a few miles or plan a longer overnight backpacking trip, a multitude of diverse landscapes and hiking opportunities are waiting for you.
Explore the TrailPregent-Halford Family
Maps + Discovery
Jennifer Bieniek: Hike 100 Finisher
"I recently began hiking in 2019 as a way to do some low impact exercise after surgery; I fell in love with it quickly! I realized that I had missed out on this wonderful way to find peace!"
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Jennifer Bieniek
Hike It. Build It. Love It.
The North Country Trail Association's mission is to develop, maintain, protect and promote the Trail through a trail-wide coalition of volunteers and partners and we change lives in the process. Join us in the effort. Hike it. Build it. Love it.
Get InvolvedGrand Rapids Christian Middle School
Get Involved
Marty Swank: Volunteer Spotlight
Marty Swank, volunteer with the NCTA Chequamegon Chapter, has now donated 10,000 hours of his time to the North Country National Scenic Trail. The National Park Service (NPS) and North Country Trail Association (NCTA) thank Marty deeply for his efforts, and in 2020, presented him with a NPS Volunteer-in-Parks (VIP) award.
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Provided by Marty Swank
Join the Community
The North Country Trail is here and accessible because of the generosity of our many dedicated supporters. Thousands of hours of volunteer support are annually poured into building, maintaining and protecting the Trail. Programs like map development and the Hike 100 Challenge encourage trail use, while the Next Generation Coalition and our Regional Trail Coordinators promote and support volunteerism and advocacy. Together we must protect the North Country Trail because it’s survival is in our hands.
Ways to GiveMatt Davis
Support Our Work
Charlie and Susan Green: Supporter Spotlight
"I figure a dollar a mile donation is pretty good value for my time on the Trail," wrote Charlie. "A therapist would cost much more." Charlie and Susie Green completed their Hike 100 Challenge in May 2020 when they took advantage of the NCTA's #hikefromhome rule change, which allowed all mileage to count toward Hike 100 because of travel restrictions due to coronavirus. Once Charlie and Susie submitted their completion forms though, they decided to take yet another step in supporting the Trail. They generously donated one dollar per mile of hiking they each completed during their Hike 100 adventures.
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Provided by Charlie Green
Stay Connected
To receive our monthly e-newsletter, the Blue Blaze Bulletin, become a member today or sign up here.
Get the BBBPlan Your Hike
The North Country Trail offers diverse landscapes and trail use opportunities. Whether you’re on a casual stroll or a thru-hike of the North Country Trail, it’s essential to plan and prepare.
Start Your AdventureTami Stagman
Our Trail Supporters
Behind the Scenes
The staff and Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association are guided by core values that represent the organization's commitment to the Trail, our partnerships and each other. We desire for our supporters to have the best understanding of our operations, so we are committed to openness and integrity. (Photo by Tom Tefft)