Our Stories

2022 Distinguished Service Awards

The NCTA Distinguished Service Award is in recognition of exceptional volunteer service in furthering the goals of the NCTA, and outstanding contributions toward the dream of the North Country Trail. Recipients are individuals who have made significant commitments and accomplishments over eight years or more. These are the 2022 recipients. Mike Schaeffer. Mike was one […]

Remembering Arlen Matson

  Arlen Matson, founding member of the NCTA Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter, passed away in early April. He received an NCTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. “Arlen loved being in nature and surrounded by God’s creation. His favorite hobbies included camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, biking, backpacking, fishing and photography. Arlen’s passion for the […]

Bob Courtois: Hike 100 Finisher

  “About half the miles were on snowshoes.” Bob Courtois was the first to let us know he completed the 2021 Hike 100 Challenge. Alongside being an NCT enthusiast, he’s the volunteer Monthly Hike Coordinator for the NCTA Jordan Valley 45° Chapter and a member of the Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter. “[I] completed by hiking in […]