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Welcome to the North Country National Scenic Trail!

Threading its way across our landscape, the North Country National Scenic Trail (NST) links outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, historic, and cultural areas in seven of our northern tier states - New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The eastern end of the trail is at New York's Crown Point State Historic Site on the shore of Lake Champlain. The western end is at Lake Sakakawea State Park in west central North Dakota where it joins the route of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.

From the grandeur of the Adirondack Mountains in New York, the trail meanders westward through the hardwood forests of Pennsylvania, through the countryside of Ohio and southern Michigan, along the shores of the Great Lakes, and through the glacial-carved forests, lakes, and streams of northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The trail ends in the vast plains of North Dakota. The diversity of landscapes, and scenic and historic features along the trail is perhaps its most appealing quality.

On October 2, 1968, President Johnson signed into law the National Trails System Act. This law set in motion a process to create a network of national scenic trails. The Act established two national scenic trails, the Appalachian and the Pacific Crest, and directed Federal agencies to conduct studies of 14 other routes, including the North Country Trail route. The North Country National Scenic Trail was authorized and added to the National Trails System on March 5, 1980. Today, there are eight national scenic trails in various stages of development.

The North Country NST is administered by the National Park Service in cooperation with other Federal, State, and local agencies, private organizations, and landowners who host, develop, or maintain portions of the trail. When Congress authorized the North Country NST it was anticipated that it would be approximately 3,200 miles long. As work progresses to complete the trail, it appears as though it will actually be about 4,200 miles long. The long-term goal is to establish a continuous trail that is developed and managed as a premier hiking and backpacking trail, nationally significant in its scenic and recreational qualities. Segments which meet this intent and other criteria can be certified by the National Park Service as part of the North Country NST.

Since 1980 the National Park Service has certified 1,627 miles as official segments of the trail. Another 600-800 miles of the trail is located and constructed but not yet certified. Long (100 - 300 miles) completed segments of the trail exist in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Dakota. Each of the other states has moderate length (40-100 miles) completed segments. In many cases, only a short distance separates the certified segments. Long-distance hikes are currently feasible by following a combination of certified trail segments, other existing trail segments, and nearby mult-use trails or roads.

This page is currently under construction.

In proposing the National Trails System in 1965, President Johnson said, "We need to copy the great Appalachian Trail in all parts of America." The Appalachian NST serves as a model or pattern for the other national scenic trails. The public and private partners working to establish the North Country NST are developing and maintaining it as a premier hiking and backpacking trail. All segments of the North Country NST are open for travel by foot for walking, hiking, and backpacking. Other non-motorized activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted in most locations. Some isolated segments permit bicycle and horse use, but these uses are generally found on rail-trail segments, other short sections of hardened surface, or on those segments that are parts of previously established multiple-use trails that have been incorporated into the North Country Trail route.

The North Country NST exists as much for the enjoyment of the casual walker as it does for the challenge of hikers who travel its entire length. Whether used for an afternoon of walking, a day of cross-country skiing, or a week or month(s) of backpacking, adventure is found along the trail-forested pathways, marshes and bogs, waterfalls, sand dunes, tallgrass prairies, old logging railroad grades, lighthouses, Revolutionary War forts, and small rural communities. From the Missouri River in North Dakota to the shore of Lake Champlain in New York, diverse features along the trail communicate how the land was formed, how it has been settled, and how it has been used and altered by mankind.

New York Partners

Finger Lakes Trail Conference, 6111 Visitor Center Road, Mount Morris, NY 14510. Telephone: 716-658-9320. E-mail address: fltc@frontiernet.net.

Finger Lakes National Forest, 5218 State Route 414 Hector, NY 14841-9707. Telephone: 607-546-4470. Website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/gmfl.

Fort Stanwix National Monument, 112 East Park Street, Rome, NY 13440. Telephone: 315-336-2090. Website:www.nps.gov/fost.

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Trails Coordinator, The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, Agency Building #1, Albany, NY 12238. Telephone: 518-474-0456. TDD: 518-486-1899. Website: www.nysparks.com.

Robert H. Treman State Park, Route 13, 5 miles south of Ithaca.Telephone: 607-273-3440.

Watkins Glen State Park, 3530 State Route 419, Watkins Glenn, NY 14891. Telephone: 607-535-4511.

Allegheny State Park, 2373 ASP Route 1, Salamanca, NY 14779. Telephone: 715-354-1901.

Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Lands and Forests, 50 Wolf Road - Room 438, Albany, NY 12233-4255. Telephone: 518-457-7433. Website: www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dlf.

Pennsylvania Partners

Allegheny National Forest, Spiridon Building, Box 847, Warren, PA 16365. Telephone: 814-723-5150. Website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/allegheny.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks, Trails Program, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551. Telephone: 888-727-2757. Website: www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

Clear Creek State Forest, Rural Route 1, Box 82, Sigle, PA 15860. Telephone: 814-752-2368.

Cook Forest State Park, P.O. Box 120, River Road, Cooksburg, PA 16217. Telephone: 814-744-8407.

Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, PA 16051. Telephone: 724-368-8811.

McConnells Mill State Park, Rural Route 2 Box 16, Portersville, PA 16051. Telephone: 724-368-8091.

Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Slippery Rock, PA 16057. Telephone: 724-794-6011.

Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Emlentone Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797. Telephone: 717-787-9612.

Ohio Partners

Buckeye Trail Association, P.O. Box 254, Worthington, OH 43085. E-mail to: info@buckeyetrail.org. Website: www.buckeyetrail.org.

Northwestern Ohio Rails to Trails Association, P.O. Box 234, Delta, OH 43515. Telephone: 419-822-4788.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Real Estate and Land Management, Fountain Square Building C-4, 1952 Belcher Drive, Columbus, OH 43224-1386. Telephone: 614-265-6395. Website: www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/relm.

Beaver Creek State Park, 12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH 43920. Telephone: 330-385-3091.

Burr Oak State Park, 10220 Burr Creek Lodge Road, Glouster, OH 45732. Telephone: 740-767-3570.

Hocking Hills State Park, 20160 State Route 664, Logan, OH 43138. Telephone: 740-385-6841.

Tar Hollow State Forest, 16396 Tar Hollow Road, Laurelville, OH 43135. Telephone: 740-887-4818.

Pike Lake State Park, 1847 Pike Lake Road, Bainbridge, OH 45612-9640. Telephone: 740-493-2212.

Shawnee State Park, 4440 State Route 125, Portsmouth, OH 45663-9003. Telephone: 740-858-6652.

Shawnee State Forest, 13291 US 52, West Portsmouth, OH 45663-8906. Telephone: 740-858-6685.

East Fork State Park, P.O. Box 119, Behthel, OH 45106. Telephone: 513-734-4323.

Little Miami State Park, 8570 East SR73, Waynesville, OH. 45068-9719. Telephone: 513-897-3055.

Ohio Historical Society, Site Operations, 567 East Hudson Street, Columbus, OH 43211-1030. Telephone: 614-297-2470. Website: www.ohiohistory.org.

Wayne National Forest, 219 Columbus Road, Athens, OH 45701-1399. Telephone: 614-592-6644. TDD: 614-594-4175. Website: www.fs.fed.us/wayne

Michigan Partners

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, P.O. Box 40, N8391 Sand Point Road, Munsing, MI 49862- 0040. Telephone: 906-387-2607. Website:www.nps.gov/piro.

Huron-Manistee National Forest, 1755 South Mitchell Street, Cadilac, MI 49601. Telephone: 616-775-2421. TDD: 616-775-3183. Website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf.

Hiawatha National Forest, 2727 North Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829. Telephone: 906-786-4062. TDD: 906-789-3373. Website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/hiawatha.

Ottawa National Forest, East 6248 U.S. Highway 2, Ironwood, MI 49938. Telephone: 906-932-1330. TDD: 906-932- 0301. Website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/ottawa.

Department of Natural Resources, Forest Management Devision, Recreation Trails Section, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909-7952. Telephone: 517-373-1275. TDD: 517-241-2683. Website: www.dnr.state.mi.us.

Yankee Springs State Recreation Area, 2104 South Briggs Road, Middleville, MI 49333. Telephone: 616-795-9081.

Lowell State Game Area, Flat River Field Office, Route 2 - 6640 Longlake Road, Belding, MI 48809. Telephone: 616-794-2658.

Rogue River State Game Area, Muskegon Field Office, 7600 East Messinger Road, Twin Lake, MI 49457. Telephone: 231 -788-5055.

Pere Marquette State Forest, 8015 Mackinaw Trail, Cadillac, MI 49601. Telephone: 616-775-9727.

Mackinaw State Forest, P.O.Box 667, Gaylord, MI 49735. Telephone: 517-732-3541.

Wilderness State Park, 898 Wilderness Park Drive, Carp Lake, MI 49718. Telephone: 231-436-5381.

Tahquamenon Falls and Muskallonge State Parks, Star Route 48, Paradise, MI 49768. Telephone: 906-492-3575.

Lake Superior State Forest, P.O. Box 77, Newberry, MI 49868. Telephone: 906-293-5131.

Little Presque Isle State Forest Recreation Area, Michigan Department of Natural, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909-7528

Craig Lake State Park, P.O. Box 88, Champion, MI 49814. Telephone: 906-339-4461.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, 599 M-107, Ontonagon, MI 49953. Telephone: 906-885-5275. E-mail address: porkies@up.net.

Pike Lake State Forest, 410 WM35, Gwynn, MI 49841. Telephone: 906-346-9201.

City of Hillsdale, 45 Monroe Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242. Telephone: 517-437-3688.

Battle Creek Linear Parkway, 35 Hamblin Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014. Telephone: 616-966-3431.

City of Petoskey, 100 West Lake Street, Petoskey, MI 49770. Telephone: 616-347-2500.

North Central Michigan College, 1515 Howard Street, Petoskey, MI 49770. Telephone: 888-298-6605.

City of Marquette, Marquette, MI 49855. Telephone: 906-226-7361.

Wisconsin Patners

Chequamegon National Forest, 1170 Fourth Avenue South, Park Falls, WI 54552. Telephone: 715-762-2461. TDD: 715-762-5701. Website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf.

Department of Natural Resources, Box 309, Spooner, WI 54801. Telephone: 715-635-4121. Website: www.dnr.state.wi.us.

Copper Falls State Park, Route 1, Box 17AA, Mellen, WI 54546. Telephone: 715-274-5123.

Brule River State Forest, P.O. Box 125, Brule, WI 54820- 0125. Telephone: 715-372-4866.

Pattison State Park, 6294 South State Road 35, Superior, WI 54880-8326. Telephone: 715-399-3111.

Iron County Forestry Commission, Courthouse, Hurley, WI 54534. Telephone: 715-561-2697.

Bayfield County Forestry Department, 117 East 5th Street, Washburn, WI 54891-9464. Telephone: 715-373-5607.

Douglas County Forestry Department, P.O. Box 211, Solon Springs, WI 54873. Telephone: 715-378-2219.

City of Mellen, City Hall, Mellen, WI 54546. Telephone: 715-274-7151

Village of Solon Springs, P.O. Box 273, Solon Springs, WI 54873. Telephone: 715-378-2235.

Minnesota Partners

Chippewa National Forest, Route 3, Box 244, Cass Lake, MN 56633. Telephone: 218-335-8600 TDD: 218-335-8632. Website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/chippewa.

Superior National Forest, 515 West First Street, P.O. Box 338, Duluth, MN 55801. Telephone: 218-720-5324. TDD: 218-720-5433. Website: www.snf.superiorbroadband.com.

Department of Natural Resources, Information Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4040. Telephone: 888-MINNDNR. TDD: 800-657-3929. E-mail address: info@dnr.state.mn.us. Website: www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Jay Cooke State Park, 500 East Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718. Telephone: 218-384-4610.

Itasca State Park, Highway County 5 Box 4, Junction of Highways 71 & 200, Lake Itasca, MN 56470. Telephone: 218-266-3654.

Clearwater County Land Commission, P.O. Box 621, Bagley, MN 56621. Telephone: 218-694-6227.

Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, 26 East Exchange Street, Suite 319, St. Paul, MN 55101. Telephone: 651-281-0508.

Superior Hiking Trail Association, P.O. Box 4, Two Harbors, MN 55616-0004. Telephone: 218-834-2700. E-mail address: suphike@mr.net.

Minnesota Rovers Outing Club, P.O. Box 14133, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Telephone: 612-257-7324.

Kekekabic Trail Club, 309 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454. Telephone: 800-818-4453. E-mail address: info@kek.org.

North Dakota Partners

Sheyenne National Grasslands, Box 946, Lisbon, ND 58054. Telephone: 701-683-4342. Website: www.fs.fed.us/r1/dakotaprairie/sheyenne.

North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department, 1835 East Bismark Expressway, Bismark, ND 58501. Telephone: 701-328-5357. E-mail address: parkrec@state.nd.us. Website: www.state.nd.us/ndparks

Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjele Parkway, Fort Ransom, ND 58033. Telephone: 701-973-4331. E-mail address: frsp@state.nd.us.

Lake Sakakawea State Park, P.O. Box 732, Riverdale, ND 58565. Telephone: 701-487-3315. E-mail address: lssp@state.nd.us.

North Dakota Game & Fish Department, Route 2, Box 32, Harvey, ND 58341. Telephone: 701-328-6300. E-mail address: ndgf@state.nd.us. Website: www.state.nd.us/gnf.

North Dakota Forest Service, P. O. Box 604, Lisbon, ND 58054-0604. Telephone: 701-683-4323. E-mail address: forest@state.nd.us. Website: www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/lbaken/forest.

The story of the North Country Trail has only begun to be written by dedicated citizen volunteers, public officials, and private landowners captivated by the vision of the trail and the many experiences it will offer to those who follow it in quest of the North Country's scenic treasures. You can help write that story by becoming involved as a volunteer, joining in the effort to build, promote, and maintain sections of the trail. Several major trail organizations assist the National Park Service and other public land management agencies in developing, protecting and maintaining the North Country NST.

The North Country Trail Association was formed in 1981 to coordinate the massive volunteer effort necessary to establish and maintain segments across private lands, as well as assist public agencies establish segments on their lands. The association works closely with the National Park Service in promoting development and use of the trail. Headquartered in Lowell, Michigan, the association has 21 local chapters and 5 major affiliates. These local groups shepherd the growth and management of the trail in their respective areas and host a variety of fun-filled events. You can help establish, promote, and protect the North Country NST by joining or supporting the efforts of the North Country Trail Association or the local groups working on the trail. Membership and other information can be obtained by viewing their home page from the link above, calling 888-454-6282, or writing to them at:

Landowners along the trail route can make a significant contribution by giving permission for the trail to cross their lands or by donating lands or easements for the trail. Financial contributions can help support the activities associated with establishing and maintaining the trail. Donations of money, land, and easements may qualify as tax-deductible gifts. For more information contact the National Park Service or the cooperating organizations.

Trail in Hocking Hills State Park
Ohio is closed-1998 Spring rains in southeastern Ohio caused extensive damage to the trail In Hocking Hills State Park. Until further notice, the section of the North Country/Buckeye Trail between the Upper Falls and Cedar Falls is closed due to safety considerations. Many bridges have been washed out and others are unsafe. Do not enter the area. At this time, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources does not know how long the trail will remain closed. In the meantime, it is suggested that hikers follow the Horseman's Bypass. For updated information, call Hocking Hills State Park, 740-385-6841.

Windstorm impacts trail in Chequamegon National Forest, WI
A windstorm during the summer of 1999 caused extensive blowdown across the trail in portions of the forest. Most affected are those segments of trail near the Porcupine Lakes and Rainbow Lakes Wilderness areas. For up-to-date information, contact the Chequamegon National Forest at 715-762-2461.

Other Trail Changes
For up-to-date information on trail conditions, check the links to the Buckeye Trail, Finger Lakes Trail, and other partners.

Trail Markers and Informational Signs

The marker that ties together the many existing segments is the blue and gold triangular North Country National Scenic Trail emblem. This emblem signifies that a trail segment is an officially certified part of the North Country NST. It is not found on segments not yet certified.

The principal, or most frequent, trail marking is the blaze. These are painted on trees or sometimes made of plastic or metal, in which case they are nailed to trees or other supports. While some variation in color and style exists along various parts of the trail, the preferred blaze is 2" wide by 6" high and a particular color of blue. Painted blazes are preferred over nail-up blazes.

A single blaze marks the trail where the route is fairly straight or obvious.

A double blaze marks a turn with the upper blaze offset to indicate the new direction. A double blaze with no offset simply means pay attention-the trail route may not be obvious.

A typical sign found at road crossings and other trail access points is a wooden or composite post with an emblem followed by a regulatory strip with additional information. Trail marking standards have a goal of placing this sign on each side of every road crossing and trail intersection or other access point.

Large brown and white highway signs are used to mark an upcoming trailhead. Some also say "1,000 Feet Ahead."

Destination signs advise hikers about distances to selected road crossings or points of interest. The preferred color is blue lettering on natural wood but yellow or ivory lettering on brown is also often seen.

Identification signs inform the hiker about a point of interest.

A variety of site specific signs are found along the trail.

Carsonite #NCNT-3597. The official trail emblem is also available in decal format for use on fiberglass posts.

Combined trail emblems can be used where the NCT is co-aligned with other regional trails.

Carsonite # NCT-3595. This strip decal is placed on a fiberglass post below the official trail emblem. It informs visitors about appropriate uses of the trail and educates them about the New York to North Dakota magnitude.

Carsonite # NYND-3749. This strip is sometimes used in lieu of the immediately preceding NCT-3595. It too is placed on fiberglass posts below the official trail emblem. This particular strip is appropriate on those segments of trail where other non-motorized users such as bicycles or horses are allowed - typically on rail-trail segments or on established multiple use trails that existed prior to the NCT choosing to follow the route.

Carsonite #4935-NCT. Placed intermittently along temporary routes to reassure the hiker they are on the correct route. Also available in hard plastic for nailing to upright supports.

Carsonite #NCT-9128. This courtesy sign alerts hikers that they are entering private property and reminds them about proper conduct.

Many different International Recreation Symbols are also used.

North Country National Scenic Trail
National Park Service
700 Rayovac Drive, Suite 100
Madison, WI 53711-2468

Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time, Monday-Friday. Closed weekends and holidays.

Voice(608) 441-5610, Fax (608) 441-5615 or e-mail to
IATR_Information@nps.gov.

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