Jordan Valley 45° Chapter - North Country Trail Association

Kipp Road east of Harbor Springs to Starvation Lake Road southeast of Mancelona

We are the Jordan Valley 45° Chapter of the NCTA. Our Chapter is a great group of volunteers who maintain and develop the Trail. We work with area landowners as well as local, state and federal government agencies in an effort to advance the NCT in our region. The Chapter was previously known as the Tittabawasse Chapter founded by Jerry Allen in 1998. In 2012, the Chapter was renamed for two of its most prominent features: the beautiful Jordan River Valley and the only crossing of the 45th Parallel (halfway point between the Equator and North Pole) of the entire 4,800-mile North Country Trail. Through the sweat equity of our Chapter, the Jordan Valley 45° section has seen dramatic improvements in our short history. On the fun side, we frequently host area hikes, work projects, special events (National Trail Day, guest speakers, etc.) and regular meetings. Join us to find others who love the outdoors and the Trail!

Key Data

Chapter Trail Section

The Jordan Valley 45° Chapter is comprised of approximately 80 miles of trail in Northern Michigan that is a part of the 4,800-mile long North Country National Scenic Trail. Our section begins at Kipp Road near Harbor Springs in Emmet County and flows south to Starvation Lake Road in Kalkaska County. This trail includes many diverse sections and features, from flat open meadows to the steep Chandler Hills that are part of the many rolling ridges of the northern Lower Peninsula. Our beautiful section includes the Jordan River, a world class trout stream and National Scenic River that makes for an incredible backpacking loop, as well as the only crossing of the 45th Parallel on the NCT. You’ll enjoy ridgetop views, dramatic overlooks, open meadows and farmland, amazing rivers, springs, lakes and streams, diverse and plentiful wildlife and much, much more. Find one of the many trailheads for a day hike or a campsite for a backpacking trip. All you need to do is follow the blue blazes!

Trail Town: Petoskey

The scenic lakeside town of Petoskey, located on beautiful Little Traverse Bay, is a resort community and popular tourist destination. The NCNST heads through the heart of Petoskey with beautiful views, and plenty of places to resupply or base your hiking adventures from.

Connect and Get Involved

Resources

Use the Report Trail Condition form to alert NCTA and the Chapter to poor trail conditions. Visit the Trail Alerts page while planning your adventure.

Suggested Hikes

Jordan Pathway Loop: 18 miles. Dramatic overlooks, world class trout river, old growth forest, beautiful rolling hills - an amazing landscape. This section can be done over two days using a state forest campsite. Access from US-131 at either Pinney Bridge Campground or Deadman’s Hill near Alba. If hiking, it’s a loop. Follow the signs and bring a map. View this hike on the online interactive map.

Skyline Trail: Up to 12 miles, round trip or out-and-back. Amazing viewing platform at overlook, steep switchbacks, rolling hills. Access from Krause Road or Brubaker Road just south of Petoskey, east of US-131. If hiking, follow the signs and bring a map.

Chapter Maps and Guidance

Additional Local Resources

Bear Cub Outfitters
City of Petoskey
“Destination Michigan” video, WCMU
Downtown Petoskey
Friends of the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery
Latitude 45 (cycling resource)
Little Traverse Conservancy
North Central Michigan College
Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau
Petoskey Brewing Company
Top of Michigan Trails Council