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 nearby communities. Whether you’re looking to wander casually, hike a few miles, or spend a couple weeks backpacking, a multitude of diverse landscapes and opportunities are waiting for you.

Explore the Trail
Paul Gagnon

Maps + Discovery

Kel Anderson Treks Tamarack in Eight Days

In August 2022, Kel Anderson, trail enthusiast and NCTA Star of the North Chapter member, hiked 165 miles in eight days in Minnesota. He trekked the entire stretch of NCNST in the Tamarack National Wildlife Refuge through Chippewa National Forest. "That meant packing light and moving fast," Kel said. "At 53 years old, was I adding more crazy to an already crazy concept? Oh well, game on."

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Kel Anderson

Build 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. The Trail exists because of robust, impressive, and dedicated volunteerism. Thousands of volunteers pour thousands of hours into the Trail each year, often during organized, Chapter-led workdays. You're invited.

Get Involved
David Snoek

Get Involved

Build Trail, Build Community

Diverse opportunities are available across the entire Trail, from building and maintenance to outreach work to volunteer photography. If you want to get involved in improving the Trail and its community, we've got options for you.

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Tom Moutsos

Love It

The North Country National Scenic Trail is here and accessible because of the generosity of our many dedicated supporters. Navigation resources and the Hike 100 Challenge encourage trail use, while the Next Generation Coalition and Regional Trail Coordinators promote and support volunteerism and advocacy. Together, we build and protect the Trail. Give a gift, join a Chapter, or renew your membership today.

Ways to Give
Matt Davis

Support Our Work

Larry and Shannon Bell Clear a Path for the North Country Trail Association

Motivated by a life changing experience, Larry Bell challenged himself to hike the entire Michigan section of the NCNST: 1,150 miles. Mile after mile, he experienced firsthand how spending time outdoors changes lives, and he wanted to share that opportunity with others. His experience on the Trail and conversations with NCTA staff and volunteers also helped him realize just how much work goes into building, maintaining, and protecting a National Scenic Trail for all to enjoy.

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Larry Bell
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 23, 2023

National Public Lands Day

Join us for the 30th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD) this September!

Sept 27 - Oct 1, 2023

NCTA Celebration

The NCTA works with local Chapters to host Celebration in a different location each year. We look forward to gathering in the Adirondacks and Green Mountains in 2023 to celebrate another wonderful year with our North Country Trail Community!

Nov 28, 2023

#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. It also crosses many private land units. Rules and regulations vary between these units. Weather in the North Country is often unpredictable. Whether you’re on a casual stroll or a thru-hike, it’s essential to plan and prepare so you have the best and safest experience possible.

Plan Your Hike
Kimberly Refosco, Outdoor Afro Pittsburgh

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