Hike It.
Build It.
Love It.

Hike It

The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest in the National Trails System, stretching 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont, traversing forests and farmlands, remote terrain and bustling communities. Whether you’re looking to wander, hike, or run, birdwatch, camp, or backpack, the North Country Trail offers you a multitude of landscapes and opportunities.

Explore the Trail
Jim Lawson

Maps + Discovery

A Flip-Flop End-to-End

Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan started her end-to-end journey on the North Country National Scenic Trail in April 2021 from Defiance, Ohio. She completed the entire trail in February 2022 back in Defiance. "The trail angels along the hike made the hike special and worthwhile. I’m very grateful for the help and support I received along the way."

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Arlette Laan

Build It

The trail exists because of robust, impressive, and dedicated generosity and partnership. Thousands of volunteers pour thousands of hours into the trail each year, often during local-level, Chapter-led workdays. You're invited to join them.

Get Involved
Tina Toole

Get Involved

Build Trail, Build Community

A variety of service opportunities are available across the entire trail, from trail maintenance to outreach efforts and beyond. If you want to get involved in improving your trail community, we've got options for you.

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Matt Davis

Love It

The North Country Trail is here and available because of the thoughtfulness of many dedicated supporters. Free maps and the Hike 100 Challenge encourage trail use, while staff and volunteers promote and support service and advocacy. Together, we build and protect the North Country Trail. Make a gift, join a Chapter, or renew your membership today.

Give Back
Shelby Gangloff

Support Our Work

2023 Lifetime Achievement Awards

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the North Country Trail and the Association. Each year, you are encouraged to help select particularly impressive volunteers to receive some extra appreciation. In 2023, Dennis Garrett (PA), Linda and Bruce Johnson (MN), and John Derick (VT) received Lifetime Achievement Awards for 15+ years of true dedication, exceptional service and outstanding contributions toward the North Country Trail, and the success and growth of the Association.

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Dennis Garrett
NCTA Events

All Year

Hike 100 Challenge

The Hike 100 Challenge is designed to help you meet your goals. Spend 100 miles on the North Country National Scenic Trail between January 1 and December 31. Hike, walk, snowshoe, or run. When you've completed it, share your journey with us, and receive a commemorative patch - there's a new design every year.

September 28, 2024

National Public Lands Day

Celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on the North Country Trail this September!

August 21-25, 2024

NCTA Celebration

The NCTA works with local Chapters to host Celebration in a different location each year. In 2024, we look forward to gathering in St. Ignace, Michigan to celebrate another wonderful year with our North Country Trail community!

December 3, 2024

#GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. Support the NCTA on this important day with a donation or membership.

Find Your Chapter

Connect with your local trail stewards.

View Local Chapters

Stay Connected

Receive the monthly NCTA e-news, the Blue Blaze Bulletin, become a member today or sign up here.

Get the BBB

Plan Your Hike

The North Country National Scenic Trail offers a wide variety of landscapes and trail use opportunities. It traverses public land like state forests, game lands, and county parks, as well as many private land units. Rules and regulations vary. Weather changes. Whether you’re on a quick stroll or a long-distance backpacking trip, it’s essential to prepare for the best and safest experience.

Plan Your Hike
Andrew Mytys

Our Trail Supporters

Behind the Scenes

The NCTA staff and Board of Directors 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 Nick Meekhof)

Our Commitment to Transparency