Is North Country National Scenic Trail worth it?
At nearly 4,800 miles across eight states, the North Country National Scenic Trail is less a single destination than a lifetime project.
Free to access and open year-round, it rewards long-distance thru-hikers and casual day-walkers alike, shifting character dramatically from the lake-dotted forests of Minnesota and Michigan to the open plains of North Dakota and the rolling terrain of New York and Pennsylvania. The sheer geographic range means no two sections feel alike, which is precisely the point. This is one of America's most ambitious public trails, and it consistently punches above its weight.
Who it is for
Long-distance hikers, equestrians, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers who want genuine variety across seasons and landscapes. Cyclists and birdwatchers will find rewarding sections too. Anyone expecting a single cohesive park experience should recalibrate expectations.
Highlights
- Backcountry hiking and camping across eight distinct states, each section offering different terrain and forest character
- Year-round access including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through northern winter landscapes
- Horseback riding and horse trekking on designated segments, a rarity among long trails
- Birdwatching and wildlife watching opportunities that shift with each ecological region along the route
Editor's tipPlan segment by segment rather than tackling the trail as a whole. Contact local land managers before any trip because seasonal closures vary significantly by section and ownership, and conditions in North Dakota can differ wildly from those in Vermont at the same time of year.
