North Country Trail
The North Country Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in the National Trails System, stretching 4,600 miles over eight states from North Dakota to Vermont.
The Trail traverses through a National Grassland, 10 National Forests, more than 150 federal, state and local public lands;
near three of the Great Lakes; past countless farmlands; through large cityscapes; over many rivers; and through the famed Adirondacks.
Chequamegon National Forest Section of the Trail
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 61 mile National Forest section of the North Country National Scenic Trail traverses the northern half of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The trail extends from County Highway “A,” near Lake Ruth, approximately 5 miles south of Iron River, Wisconsin, to FR 390 some 2 miles west of Mellen, Wisconsin.
The trail offers an excellent summer hiking and backpacking experience. The North Country National Scenic Trail is primarily a hiking trail. Only foot travel is allowed within wilderness areas of the trail—no motorized or mechanical transport, such as the use of bicycles, is allowed. Horse use on the trail is discouraged. Soils on the east end of the trail tend to be fairly wet and are not particularly suitable for riding. Mountain bikes are also discouraged and may not be ridden where the trail crosses wilderness areas.
Cross country skiing is possible on the trail but is best in late winter when a crust has formed on the snow. Dog sled use is also allowed except where the trail follows the Penokee Mountain ski trail. Motorized use on the trail is prohibited under existing Forest Off-Road Vehicle Policy.