Events

This hike is the third in a series of nine that will traverse the section of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) maintained by the NCTA Chequamegon Chapter. The Trail here was built by U.S. Forest Service personnel and Job Corp employees in 1967 and 1968. It is the original “North Country Trail.” These weekly hikes, on Wednesdays, from June 15 through August 17. (There is no hike scheduled for July 6.)

Please register for any hikes you plan to attend by sending the hike number(s), your name, and email address to che@northcountrytrail.org.

This is an 8.3-mile, one-way, eastward hike on a dirt tread in mostly rolling terrain with some moderately hilly sections. There will probably be short wet or muddy sections. The Trail passes by several beautiful lakes and crosses the Long Branch of the White River. A highlight of the hike is the Drummond Woods State Natural Area with old growth forest. Hiking speed will be moderate, depending on the terrain. The hike is limited to 18 participants.

Expect mosquitos and ticks. A brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants treated with insect repellent are recommended. Bring plenty of water and lunch. We will take frequent short breaks and a longer break for lunch.

This section of Trail is not accessible for people with mobility impairments. There are no restrooms at trailheads or along the Trail, except for the end of the hike at the Lake Owen Picnic Grounds. Cell phone coverage will be spotty.

Meet at the Lake Owen Picnic Grounds parking lot, 3.5 miles southeast of Highway 63 (Drummond, Wisc.) on Forest Road 213. There is a $5 daily use fee payable at a kiosk in the parking lot. Most of the cars will be left here; several will be used to shuttle hikers to the trailhead approximately three miles north of Highway 63 on the Delta-Drummond Road, where the hike will begin. At the end of the hike, cars will need to take shuttle drivers back to the cars on Delta-Drummond Road where the hike began.