Our Stories

Glee Mayer: NCT Long Distance Hiker

  Glee Mayer Minot, ND Central patch + North Dakota rockers Compiled by Joan Young I completed the Dakota Challenge on June 6, 2020. The Dakota Challenge requires you to hike every mile of the North Country Trail within the boundaries of the state of North Dakota. I was attracted to this hike in large […]

Rennae Gruchalla: NCT Long Distance Hiker

  Rennae Gruchalla Fargo, ND Central patch + North Dakota and 1,000-Mile rocker Compiled by Joan Young It was a beautiful, warm March day. The sky was a brilliant azure blue. I decided to get some miles in for the Hike 100 Challenge, so I drove out to the trailhead near Colfax, ND. Being alone, […]

Doug Boulee: NCT Long Distance Hiker

  Doug Boulee Grand Rapids, MI Central patch + Michigan, Wisconsin, and 1,000-Mile rockers Compiled by Joan Young As one of those “turning 50 things,” I decided to return to the world of backpacking. A goal of hiking 50 birthday miles in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was set. During a training hike on the Manistee […]