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 TrailIn 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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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 InvolvedDiverse 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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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 GiveMotivated 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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Get the BBBThe 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 HikeThe 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)
