More than 200 miles of North Country National Scenic Trail cross Northern Wisconsin.
This classic Northwoods setting offers fantastic hiking and backpacking opportunities. Explore the sprawling Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and find solitude within two federally designated Wilderness Areas. Hike across the ancient Penokee mountain range with valleys and ridges offering expansive vistas. Peer into deep gorges and savor views of spectacular waterfalls.
The trail spans a variety of notable land units and features in Wisconsin, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Copper Falls and Pattison State Parks, Rainbow Lake and Porcupine Lake Wildernesses, the Bad River, Douglas County Wildlife Area, and the Marengo River Valley.
Wisconsin’s North Country Trail is maintained by the volunteers of three NCTA Chapters:
The state also hosts two official NCTA Trail Towns: Solon Springs and Mellen.
Additional Information
- An admission sticker is required for entrance into Wisconsin State Parks.
- Camping: There are designated campsites every 2-8 miles along the trail from West Mail Road to Bayfield A. Along the roadwalk between West Mail Road and Pattison State Park, low-impact camping on Douglas County Forest lands is permitted. Low-impact camping is also permitted on the Iron County Forest, and there are backpacker campsites along the Potato River. Developed campgrounds are adjacent to the trail both in Pattison and Copper Falls State Parks. There are three developed U.S. Forest Service campgrounds near the trail in the Chequamegon National Forest; dispersed camping is allowed otherwise, as long as it is 100 feet from the trail and/or water.
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Header photo by Kenny Wawsczyk