Our Stories

Suzanne Klein: NCNST Long Distance Hiker

Suzanne Klein

Previously completed Pennsylvania and 1000 miles; now adds Ohio, the Mackinac Bridge, and 2000 miles

I moved to Pennsylvania from California at the end of 2013. I was with hiking groups that would conquer different mountains. It was always a different challenge and different views. Even though I continued to hike when I arrived in Pennsylvania, it was always the same hikes and even though some of the hikes were tough and beautiful, it was never incredibly challenging for me. At the end of December 2014, I was handed the North Country Trail brochure and changed my East Coast experience tremendously. My friends sometimes jump on my hiking adventures, but I’ve met amazing hikers on my adventure having the same goal of conquering the trail.

I hit 2000 miles this year and am seeing the less-traveled parts of the states. I have hiked in New York, Michigan, Upper Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The first state I completed was Pennsylvania and last year, I finished Ohio. I have met such amazing people on the trail and made lifelong friends. I cannot thank the NCTA enough for the love and support each community and trail system has provided.

Learn more about long distance hiker recognition at explorenct.info/NoCoLo/index.htm.