The North Country Trail

4,600 miles stretched across seven states all made possible by the hard work of more than 800 volunteers each year. This is the Great Lakes, the Northwoods, the path of westward expansion — a footpath linking communities from New York to North Dakota. 

While only a few have taken on the whole trail in one shot, thousands find their way onto a section of the NCT each year. Spring, summer, fall or winter, the vast geographic expanse the trail follows offers something for everyone year-round.  Whether it’s winter camping and snowshoeing, long-distance trail running or a quiet weekend with the grandkids, you can find what you’re looking for on the North Country Trail. This trail can be rugged and welcoming, remote and festive. It’s all right there for you to choose your own adventure.

Eastern Upper Peninsula Trail Highlights

East of Marquette, the route passes through public and private lands before reaching Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Within Pictured Rocks, enjoy the 43-mile Lakeshore Trail along the Lake Superior shore, one of the greatest hits of the entire North Country Trail.

Continuing east, the trail passes through Lake Superior State Forest, Muskallonge Lake State Park and Tahquamenon Falls State Park (home to the second largest waterfall in the eastern United States) before turning south to head through Hiawatha National Forest toward St. Ignace and the “Big Mac” bridge, which can only be crossed on foot during the famous Labor Day Bridge Walk.

The U.P.’s prime scenery includes large lakes, old growth forests, rugged hills and the Lake Superior shoreline, all set amid some of the most remote, uninhabited country found on the North Country Trail.

Ashmun Creek Natural Area

Is a 300-acre woodland right in the city. A series of interpretive signs explains the forests' structure and function. The nature trail is a great place to hike, mountain bike, ski, snowshoe (but be very careful of the snowmobiles!)

Directions to the trail

From the corner of 12th and Easterday (by the recycling center), turn south on 12th. At the dead end (2 blocks) turn left. Park at that dead end (1 block to the east). walk on the gravel road, look for the trail on your left (1/2 block). Follow the trail up through the tunnel, up the hill, down the hill, across the creek, and at the top of the next hill, look for the nature trail on your right (blue blazes).

Algonquin Ski Trails

While this area provides a great place for cross country skiing, in the fall and summer its also a nice place for walking! Located in a convenient heavily wooded area in the western section of Sault Ste. Marie. Three separate loops of well groomed trails total eight miles. The first loop lighted for night skiing.

The trail is located on west 16th Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

The ORV trail/route system covers 3,200 miles with 73% on state forests. Of the system, 30% is cycle trail, 50% is ATV trail and 20% is route. In the Lower Peninsula, the system is the only legal place to ride Non-Secretary of State licensed ORVs on public lands other than frozen waters. In the Upper Peninsula, it is legal for ORVs to operate on state forest roads as well as the designated trail system, unless a specific state forest road is posted closed to ORV use. Trails are lightly groomed and riders are likely to encounter narrow sand trails, rough moguls, steep hills, stumps, rocks, brush, loose surfaces and other hazards.

Trail Maps:

Additional ORV/ATV trail maps available here