Our Stories

2023 Volunteer Awards: Communicator

Andrew Kovatch At his day job in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Andrew provides digital advertising solutions for local, regional, and national brands. He combines this skill and knowledge with his enthusiasm for the NCNST and his trail community by dedicating his personal time to the NCTA Marketing Committee. In 2023, he generously (and voluntarily) managed the […]

Duane Lawton: NCNST Long Distance Hiker

Duane Lawton Michigan (previously received central patch + 1000 Miles and Mackinac Bridge) Right after retiring in 2006, I undertook a multi-day hike in the Porkies and Trap Hills with cousins. I had discovered there was a trail there called the “North Country Trail.” Then having just moved north, I discovered there was a local […]

2023 Volunteer Awards: Trail Blazer

  Kalkaska Downtown Development Authority Cash and Gayenell with the Kalkaska Downtown Development Authority (DDA) began working with the NCTA Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter in Michigan over five years ago to create a non-motorized, ADA accessible trailhead to connect downtown Kalkaska to rerouted NCNST. This project, which is still in progress, will remove two […]