Michigan hosts nearly 1,200 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail. There are approximately 500 miles across the Upper Peninsula and 600 through the Lower Peninsula.
What to expect in the Lower Peninsula
Rolling farmlands, abundant rivers and streams, and thick forests. Cross a variety of notable land units and features, including the Yankee Springs State Recreation Area, Manistee National Forest, the Jordan River Valley, the Mackinac Bridge, and many state and county parks. Dispersed primitive camping is allowed in the Manistee National Forest without a permit unless posted. No camping is allowed within 200 feet of a body of water, except at designated sites.
What to expect in the Upper Peninsula
Waterfalls, dense forests, ponds, streams, backcountry, and the Lake Superior shoreline. Cross a variety of notable land units and features, including the Mackinac Bridge, Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the Porcupine Mountains, and Trap Hills. All drive-in and backcountry permits are required in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and can only be purchased online. Backcountry camping permits are required within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Dispersed camping is allowed in Hiawatha National Forest and Lake Superior State Forest. The Mackinac Bridge can only be crossed on foot during the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk. Contact the Bridge Authority if you are in need of vehicle transport across.
Points of contact
Across the state, the trail is cared for predominantly by volunteer Chapters of the North Country Trail Association (NCTA). See the
Chapters page for contact information. There are also multiple NCTA
Trail Towns in Michigan, welcoming trail users and offering them a variety of resources.
