North Country Trail
The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest in the National Trails System, stretching 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont, traversing forests and farmlands, remote terrain and nearby communities. Whether you’re looking to wander casually, hike a few miles, or spend a couple weeks backpacking, a multitude of diverse landscapes and opportunities are waiting for you.
Characterized as “the land of solid forest and small lakes,” this is the oldest section of Trail within the state, as it was the U.S. Forest Service’s “Northern Country Trail” that provided the inspiration and name for the North Country National Scenic Trail. The entire stretch passes through fairly gentle terrain except near the Brunsweiler and Marengo River valleys. The Trail passes through two federally designated Wilderness Areas: Porcupine Lake Wilderness and Rainbow Lake Wilderness. Visitors are attracted to the idea of Federally Designated Wilderness Areas, making these two areas popular destinations.