North Country Trail Adirondack Plan Comments Needed!

an Adirondack Pond

You may know North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) as a popular place to hike in west Michigan. There are over 100 miles of off-road trail in the Manistee National Forest. But the trail does not end there. It extends across seven states from New York to North Dakota. For years the trail has sought a route through the Adirondack Park in New York State.

Recently the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the North Country National Scenic Trail Draft Adirondack Park Trail Plan and Generic Environmental Impact Statement. The DEC is seeking public input on this Plan.

The North Country Trail Association would like to see the NCT planned and integrated into the Adirondack Park and we support the central route of approximately 140 miles that has been proposed within this Plan. We need people to submit supportive comments on this Plan and encourage its implementation.

Outlined here are Key Points you can make to support the creation of the Trail in the Park. Please feel free to copy and paste these Key Points into your comments. We encourage you to submit personal comments as well.

Key Points to Make in Your Comments

• I am supportive of the North Country National Scenic Trail being routed through the central region of the Adirondack Park.
• This Trail Plan has determined the best overall route for the Trail across the Park and requires the least amount of new trail construction of all identified and viable trail alternatives.
• This proposed route will intersect 9 units of public land in the Adirondacks and should be integrated into those unit management plans as appropriate.
• The proposed central route identified in this Plan is a route befitting a congressionally designated national scenic trail and invites the hiker to experience the spectacular central region of the Adirondack Park.

Comments will be accepted until January 4, 2008.

by Clare Cain, Director of Trail Management, North Country Trail Association

Click here to link to the NY DEC website to review the Plan and to submit comments.
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Proposed Hiqhbank Connector to the North Country Trail

The Baldwin/White Cloud District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests is inviting public comment on the following proposed project on National Forest lands:

Hiqhbank Campground Connector to the North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail (NCNST): Located in section 17, T1 6N R1 3W. Lilley Township, Newaygo County, Michigan. The proposed route will utilize National Forest land. The following project is included:

New trail would be constructed through National Forest land for 0.70 miles. Forest Service standards for non-motorized trails would be adhered to when constructing new trail. The proposed connector trail would allow hikers to utilize Highbank Campground and campers from the campground to access the North Country Trail. It would increase user safety, provide a more aesthetic and visually appealing hiking experience, and be tter protect natural resources, while enhancing some of the values associated with the North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail.

The proposed project is partially located along an already existing trail tread. When complete the new trail would include a trail tread 18 to 24 inches wide, with an additional cleared width of 12 inches on both sides of the trail. Where necessary, the tread-way would be cleared of vegetation, trees, and stumps. No trees greater than 5 inches in diameter, at breast height will be removed. The trail would be signed and blazed. All construction would be done in accordance with Forest Service standards for non-motorized trails, the National Park Service Handbook for Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance, and the North Country Trail Association's Trail Building and Maintenance Manual.

Should you have any questions, concerns, comments, or wish to be directly involved with the planning of this project, please contact Kathy Bietau, U.S. Forest Service, Drawer D, Baldwin, Michigan 49304. You may also comment by phone at (231)745-4631 ext. 3117 or email at kbietau@fs.fed.us. Please submit comments to this office by January 30, 2008.

from Gregory D. Smith, Acting District Ranger
contact Kathy Bietau
See Western Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association
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North Country Trail Arrowhead Re-Route Moves Closer to Approval

North Country Trail Minnesota Arrowhead map

The Arrowhead Re-route is an effort to officially designate a revised route for the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) in northeastern Minnesota (see map). This change, which requires the approval of Congress, would replace a 100-mile stretch of trail route identified in the National Park Service’s 1982 Comprehensive Plan for Management and Use of the North Country Trail. The 1982 route lies between Jay Cooke State Park southeast of Duluth and the eastern end of the NCT in the Chippewa National Forest near Remer.

Since the NCT was authorized by Congress in 1980, there have been no efforts to construct trail along this route because it contains extensive wetlands. It also lacks the outstanding scenery found along the Arrowhead Re-route..

On December 5th, Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act of 2007, otherwise known as the Arrowhead Re-Route. This long-awaited legislation provides for official Congressional recognition of the NCT route along the established Border Route, Kekekabic and Superior Hiking trails in northeast Minnesota.

The Trail would extend eastward through Grand Rapids (MN) along the northern border to Lake Superior, and then southwest along the Superior shoreline to Duluth. This would replace the currently authorized and undeveloped route, consisting of about 80 miles of bog and blackflies. The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) has assumed this route for some time; however it will not be included as an official segment until Congress authorizes it and the President signs it.

The bill was assigned to the House Natural Resources committee, where it is expected to see action early in spring 2008. A companion bill in the Senate awaits sponsorship, and is the focus of the efforts of Congressman Oberstar and others.

Congressman Oberstar, recipient of the NCTA's 2008 Vanguard Award, made a commitment upon receiving the award that he would introduce this legislation this year. The NCTA will be tracking progress closely and alerting members when their advocacy is needed. The Re-route will be a top priority for the NCTA's Hike The Hill delegation during their February visit to Washington.

from the North Country Trail Association, Dec 20, 2007
See NCTA Arrowhead Re-Route Advocacy Center
See bill HR 4291
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Into the Woods - North Country Trail Near Petoskey

volunteers build benched trail, taking the NCT off Krause Road (photo credit Cora Killinger)

by Joan H. Young

Long (and short) distance hikers of the North Country Trail can rejoice this week as one more half-mile of trail has been taken off road, into the woods.

The new section of trail, just south of Petoskey, will connect two sections on city property. The project has been a long-time dream of property owners Doug and Pam Boor. For several years they have been working with the Nature Conservancy to sell a trail easement to the Conservancy. That transaction was completed this past year, and all that remained was to build the trail.

Saturday, September 27, over 45 people showed up to make that piece of trail a reality on the ground. The tasks were organized by Gary Johnson and Cora Killinger, of the Tittabawassee Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. This section of trail traverses a steep hillside, requiring that almost all of the trail be benched into the hill. This type of trail is difficult to build, requiring hard work, and close attention to detail to create a treadway that will stand up to hiking traffic. It is also very rewarding to view at the end of the day!

Cora reports that in this one day the work was about 80% completed. She says, "No one person could have done much, but together you should see what we've accomplished!"

viewing platform and the view from the new trail (photo credit Cora Killinger)

The hillside where this new trail is located is one of the highest spots in Emmett County. Thanks to the Nature Conservancy there is a viewing platform already in place from which you can see Little Traverse Bay. This is sure to become one of the favorite scenic views along the NCT.

Doug Boor's dream for the section includes creating a primitive campsite where hikers may stay.

It's only a short piece of trail, you say? Yes, but consider the many layers of complexity required to create it. A property owner, the city of Petoskey, the Nature Conservancy, the North Country Trail Association, finance sources, volunteers, and other individuals all worked together to make this a reality. When you ponder this effort it makes you appreciate the enormity of the vision to place all the miles of the NCT, New York to North Dakota, off road.

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North Country Trail Re-route Near Mesick to be Explained January 10 in Manistee

Proposed NCT reroute near Mesick in red, existing trail and connectors in blue and black

The Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter (GTH) of the North Country Trail Association is working hard to establish approximately eight new miles of off-road trail near Hodenpyl Dam Pond and the village of Mesick.

GTH leaders have initiated talks with Consumers Energy company, the primary landowner along the proposed route for the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). Consumers Energy has responded positively, and although formal agreements have yet to be secured, plans are moving forward.

Arlen Matsen, of GTH, writes that the reroute will proceed "from the Marilla Trailhead [on Beers Road] east towards Hodenpyl Dam. This route continues along the back-water through tall pine trees interspersed with views of the water. Crossing M-115, it will continue along the river on an abandoned railroad bed, eventually reaching M-37." Volunteer Lower Peninsula Trail Coordinator, Joan Young, has also walked portions of the proposed route and reports that the new miles will be as beautiful as any to be found in lower Michigan as the trail winds along the Pond, and the Manistee River. Camping opportunities along the route are available at several commercial, but rustic campgrounds.

From M-37, until the route rejoins the existing NCT, there is still work to be done to determine where the trail would go.

The village of Mesick is very interested in connecting to the NCT via a spur trail, to become more of a trail town. This would be a great asset for the trail as well, since there is nowhere that a long distance hiker can re-supply or take a day off at a motel so close to the trail for many miles south through the Manistee National Forest.

At the southwest end of the new route there will be changes which affect the Spirit of the Woods Chapter's trail. The northernmost 2.5 miles of existing trail in the National Forest, north of Beers Road, would no longer be a part of the NCT.

On January 10, at the Lake Bluff Audubon House in Manistee, Grand Traverse members Dick Naperala and John Heiam will present details of this plan and the current level of progress. This will be the program of the regularly scheduled chapter meeting for the Spirit of the Woods. There will be a brief business meeting at 7pm, and the program will begin at 7:30. The meeting is open to the public. The Audubon House is located at 2890 Lakeshore Road, just north of Orchard Beach State Park.

by Joan H. Young
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North Country Trail Annual Triad Kicks off in Lowell

Lowell mayor,Jim Hodges, welcomes Triad participants

by Joan H. Young

Each October, the three major entities involved in the North Country National Scenic Trail meet to discuss progress, and develop ways to work together to advance the trail toward completion. The triad members include two federal agencies and the non-profit North Country Trail Association. The National Park Service is the agency assigned to manage the trail, and the National Forest Service is the landowner for the more miles of the trail than any other single body.

Approximately 40 people are in attendance this year, including staff of the three organizations, and volunteers with an interest in the trail. Each of the seven states through which the trail passes are represented, and six of the nine National Forests sent delegates.

The day began inside, which was a happy choice since it was pouring outside the walls of the Boy Scout house in Lowell. Even enthusiastic campers would not be overjoyed at sitting in a meeting in the rain. After greetings from the City of Lowell, and the Lowell Foundation the NCTA, NPS, and NFS gave updates on current projects, happenings, and plans concerning the trail from their own perspective.

Bruce Matthews, Executive Director of the NCTA notes the possibility of adding three chapters along the length of the trail, in Ohio, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and New York. Two new affiliate organizations are both from Ohio, the Maumee Valley Heritage Coalition, and the Miami-Erie Canal Corridor Association. He also noted increasing membership.

Tom Gilbert for the Park Service reported a positive reaction to the concept of extending the trail eastward to connect in Vermont to the Appalachian Trail. He also shared an interest in making connections westward as part of the Sea to Sea route.

For the National Forests, John Romanowski was happy to share that the Ottawa National Forest has acquired the Sturgeon River Gorge in the Upper Peninsula from a Wisconsin power company. This beautifully scenic valley is the location of several miles of North Country Trail. John also explained some of the challenges being faced by declining funding for the Forests.

Bruce Matthews organizes hikers in Lowell State Game Area

After lunch, the rain ended, and participants boarded a chartered bus and were taken to Lowell State Game Area for a short hike on the North Country Trail. Returning to the bus we toured a former rail corridor that may be able to be purchased, south of Lowell, to take hikers under interstate route 96.

The bus then returned the out-of town guests to “The Shack” in Jugville for dinner in the rustic and beautiful lodge.

Both long-time volunteers and several new discoverers of the North Country Trail are in attendance. One of the greatest advantages to the Triad is the ability for members of each group to become acquainted with those from the other groups. Lively conversations about favorite trail locations, recent construction projects, policies, definitions, old issues, and wild ideas could be heard over plates of chicken, potatoes, vegetables and watermelon.

For one more day, the sharing of information about this great National Scenic Trail will continue at Triad 2008.

North Country Trail Triad- Workshops, Hike and a Bar-B-Q

some of the Triad 2008 participants ready to hike

by Joan H. Young

Trail folks are always restless when asked to sit in meetings on a beautiful fall day. Nevertheless, day two of the Triad began with three morning presentations.

Robert Wetherell of the Allegheny National Forest brought everyone up to date on chain sawyer certification. This was followed by a presentation on the use of GIS information for planning trail routes and tracking its completion. Andrew Bashaw, Ohio-Pennsylvania Trail Coordinator for the NCTA covered this topic, and then also discussed illegal uses of the trail, primarily by off road vehicles. The damage done to hiking trails by such use is often devastating and irreversible. The NCTA is creating a database of techniques that have been shown to reduce the problems.

Finally, the group moved to the NCTA Schoolhouse north of White Cloud, and headed outside to play. The group began hiking north on the North Country Trail, and returning via the Birch Grove Trail loop option. By turning off at various locations, hikers were able to take a short, medium or longer (6 mile) hike, and return to the schoolhouse. This was followed by grilled brats, fresh salads, baked beans, and apple crisp provided by the West Michigan NCTA Chapter.

John Romanowski (left) makes comments on the trail

It was noted by John Romanowski, of Region 9 Forest Service, that the Triad has now been held for ten years. Over that time a number of significant accomplishments have been made.

• The DFC, desired future condition, for the trail– to be managed primarily for hiking and backpacking– has been incorporated into the Forest Plans of all the National Forests through which the trail passes.
• Sawyer training and certification which will be recognized by both the Park Service and Forest Service has been agreed upon. Training is being offered on a somewhat regular basis, making it possible for volunteers to do trail work legally and safely.
• The giving of a higher priority to the building of shelters was explored, but it was decided to focus on other needs.
• During this time period, the Forest Service issued Trail Accessibility Guidelines standards for building trail. With the input of NCTA, reasonable considerations for the building of back-country trail for hikers was taken into account. This means that not every trail in National Forests must be four feet wide and paved.
• The Triad has also helped to give the NCTA credibility as the nine National Forest units worked more closely with staff and volunteers.
• Perhaps the most important benefit of the Triads has been the ability of the three groups to get to know individuals across the trail. Instead of a key NCTA volunteer simply having a sense of some anonymous government unit, he or she now knows real people from a particular Forest and has a sense of their commitment to the North Country Trail. In response, agency personnel have increased trust and respect for volunteers.

With declining Forest Service budgets, the future of the annual event is unclear, but everyone expressed high hopes for continuing the gatherings in some format.

North Country Trail Re-Opened Near Highbridge

structure in place to support the new bridge photo Ed Chappel

by Joan H. Young

Four dedicated men worked for 14 hours to repair the North Country Trail near Highbridge (south of Brethren, Michigan). Although more help might have been nice, the small crew realized that given the terrain there was no where that additional people could have been used.

The terrain in this section is extremely steep as the banks slope down to the Manistee River. Several springs seep from the hillside but usually flow only in springtime. However this summer was extremely wet, and the springs continued their work, undermining the trail. The unfortunate result was that a 16-foot section of trail slumped off and disappeared down the slope. There was no way to get around this area and the trail had to be temporarily closed.

Working with the Forest Service the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association has built a bridge to span the damaged area.

Trail work coordinator, Ed Chappel, says that the uprights had to be sunk to a depth of 4 feet to reach a solid foundation on which to base the new structure. Stringers of 4x6 were bolted together for a total length of about 40 feet. Wood was let down by ropes from the top of the bank. The decking had to be brought down by hand in bundles, requiring 27 trips.

The crew reports using the chapter's new generator to supply power to the project. This allowed them to continue to work long after battery-powered tools would have given out. The generator was purchased with Challenge Cost Share money from the National Park Service. The cost of the bridge itself was paid for by the Spirit of the Woods Chapter.

Such efforts by volunteers in cooperation with agencies such as the National Park Service, and National Forest Service are the magic that keep hiking trails open for our enjoyment.

See North Country Trail Closed Near Highbridge
See Spirit of the Woods Chapter NCTA
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New Trail at Bowman Lake is Complete

New Bowman Lake Trail

The new Bowman Lake trail section is now complete. There is an informal parking area where the Bowman Lake trail and the North Country trail cross with a signpost and decals for the Bowman Lake trail.

Back in June of 2006 we asked Baldwin District of the Manistee National Forest if they would consider opening a new trail in the Bowman Semi-Primitive Area using some abandoned and overgrown roads west of the existing North Country Trail section. After discussion and evaluation they agreed early this year.

The new trail, not yet officially named, will run southwesterly from an unimproved parking area along 40th Street, cross the NCT and then turn southeasterly, continuing until it intersects the existing Bowman Lake loop trail. The route is approximately 2.7 miles long and about half way it passes within 100 feet of the NCT, where we have a connector between the two trails. This new trail will allow three loop hike options of (approximately) 1.5, 5.0 and 6.5 miles.

There will also be a secondary route that leaves the new trail, heads west to a wetland area and then curves back around to rejoin the main trail. This was flagged in 2007 but we'll be adjusting the actual location until sometime in 2008 when construction of this segment will start.

The tread is being routed mostly along the old road. We've gone off road only where drainage is very bad. We've wound the trail back and forth along the old road trying to use the highest, best drained portion. We've brought in duff and deadfall to help define the new corridor and disguise the old roadbed.

Regulatory signs are being added and encapsulated maps installed at both ends. We'll be watching the tread and may make a few adjustments next year. The terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling and it looks like it might be decent for cross-country skiing. The area is mature hardwood forest with little to no understory vegetation.

Many thanks to Deb Krieger, Don Dekker and Rich Krieger from the NCTA and Kathy Bietau from the Baldwin District Forest Service who have put in many hours planning and working to get this trail completed. Also a big thank you to Bill Kelly and the summer interns from Baldwin District Forest Service for helping to blaze the trail.

Maps are available from Rich Krieger at or the Baldwin District office.

from newsletter of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan 2008 and Oct 2007, by Rich Krieger
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North Country Trail Section Hikers Over 2600 Miles

Dan and Ruth Dorrough in the Manistee National Forest (photo by jhy)

by Joan H. Young

A retired couple from Canandaigua, New York, has been working on a section hike of the North Country Trail. Dan and Ruth Dorrough had previously hiked small pieces of the 4600-mile trail, which goes from New York to North Dakota, but they've been working continuously on their quest since May. They've only taken one day off in three months. So far, they have walked over 2600 miles, covering everything from the New York-Vermont border to Hodenpyl Dam at the north end of the Manistee National Forest, and the Spirit of the Woods Chapter's section, in Michigan.

I had the pleasure of hiking with them for a day and a half this week. I'd previously known Dan and Ruth from the annual North Country Trail Association conferences, but never in any depth. Dan is a computer programmer, and Ruth retired this year from nursing administration. They agree that the hiking lifestyle is addictive. "It's just become our way of life," Ruth said.

They have backpacked when necessary, but prefer day hikes, usually covering 10-15 miles a day. They get set for each day by spotting a vehicle at their end points. One vehicle is a van, which also serves as a camper for overnights.

After one more hiking day, they'll head back home for some weeks with family before returning to Duluth for the NCTA Trail Fest in August. They plan to hike some additional miles this fall, after the meetings.

Today, we covered 12 miles of trail between Upper River Road and Highbridge. That section roughly follows the Manistee River. Several small thunderstorms kept us on our toes, but they also cooled us and settled the mosquitoes. One temporary detour takes the trail on a Forest Road, with a nice view of the Manistee River.

Manistee River (photo by jhy)

Dan and Ruth have been quietly hiking along, more or less keeping their goal to hike the whole trail a secret. But the cat's out of the bag now! They said some of their biggest challenges have been to simply find the trail in areas which have been poorly maintained. It's a sad truth that it doesn't take long for things to fall into disrepair if trail is not adopted by volunteers, and the results are terribly discouraging to people attempting to hike through.

The couple are also Finger Lakes Trail End-to-Enders, including all of the branch trails. They couldn't remember exactly when they discovered a love for hiking. The Bristol Branch of the FLT is near their home, and they started walking there, then just kept going. They agreed that the Finger Lakes Trail county hike series (group hikes which complete a county a year) helped them on their way.

I promised them more hills and views in northern Michigan than they'd seen in the southern part of the state. "I don't miss the hills at all," Ruth quipped. Somehow, I only half believe her. The FLT is just one hill after another. They'd never have made it this far if they hate hills. And they certainly are on track to finish the NCT next year.

Dan and Ruth Dorrough, Joan Young (photo by jhy)

Over dinner we agreed we were more than pleased to get to know each other better. It doesn't require the energy of youth to hike a long trail, it just takes persistence.

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Manistee Women Receives National North Country Trail Award

Deb Krieger

At the Annual Conference each year, the North Country Trail Association presents awards to its outstanding volunteers. This year's "Sweep" Award was presented to Deb Krieger of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter (Manistee, Mason and Lake Counties) or the North Country Trail Association.

The award is given annually to a volunteer, for tireless work and achievements behind the scenes on behalf of the North Country Trail or the NCTA. The name comes from the title "sweep" usually given to the person assigned to be last on a hike who should walk with the slowest hiker, pick up any dropped trash, make sure no one is left behind, and generally act in a selfless manner when they might prefer to be hiking in front with the faster segment of the group.

These criteria fit Krieger to a "T." Deb has been a consistent, but mostly behind-the-scenes powerhouse for the Spirit of the Woods Chapter since she (and husband Rich) joined in 2002.

Deb continuously protests that she doesn't want to do things that put any public focus on her, yet she manages to accomplish great things for the chapter. And she's never afraid of a challenge she can take on in private. She edited their newsletter for several years, working hard to improve her computer skills to produce it. She put together a "camp kitchen" of gear and supplies to bring hot drinks and snacks to work days. She always makes sure these amenities are available at chapter meetings.

She may not be comfortable addressing a large group, but in her quiet way she has probably brought more participants into the chapter than anyone else. Deb's networking skills are great... she will hook someone from Audubon up with someone from the chapter who is working with someone else from the Forest Service, and oh yes! There's this friend who's also working on a community theatre production who knows how to do just what we need to complete the job!

She quietly arranged for someone for our chapter to lead hikes for the Forest Festival, Manistee Women's Festival, and for the local Visitor's Bureau. She was actually the one who led quite a few of these hikes, too!

The year that she was in charge of publicity for National Trails Day the event had its largest turnout ever, 125 people!

She also inventoried the chapter library, and makes sure that it contains copies of all our meeting minutes.

She's a member of the informal "blazing team," one of those who is willing to go out and take the time to paint impeccable 2x6 inch rectangles on trees.

She may not like to be in the spotlight, but the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the NCTA would certainly be a dimmer light in the hiking world without Deb Krieger.

by Joan H. Young
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North Country Trail Association Seeks New Executive Director

Events Calendar

NCTA Headquarters mural (photo by jhy)

from the NCTA and board president Jan Stewart

Andrea Ketchmark, Executive Director of the North Country Trail Association, has chosen to step down from her role with the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) on January 15, 2026, having accepted another professional opportunity. Andrea laid a strong foundation for our future.

Andrea says, "After 16 years, it's hard to put into words just what this trail and this community has meant to me. I'll be forever grateful for the experiences I've had, the relationships I've built, my time spent on the trail and advocating for it. We truly have a special resource and an even more special community. I will champion the North Country Trail whenever given the chance."

The NCTA has now posted the application for the position. The role summary of the document states, "The Executive Director provides visionary leadership for the NCTA, guiding its work across eight states through clear direction, strong relationships, and effective execution. The role directly supervises the Director of Trail Operations, the Director of Development and Communications, and the Director of Trail Protection, with a total staff of 13."

See Position Announcement and application


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More NCT May Come Off Road Near Lowell

possible trail corridor (photo from North Country Trail Association)

a news release of North Country Trail Association

For 20+ years, alongside the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the North Country Trail Association has been eyeing a retired railroad corridor outside of Lowell, Michigan. The NCTA's goal is to utilize it to move more North Country Trail off-road.

Now, thanks to this dedicated partnership between the Association, DNR, MDOT, and Kent County Parks Department, as well as the generosity of a private donor, we're making significant strides toward making this dream a reality.

This spring, partners led NCTA and National Park Service staff on a tour of various segments along this route. When complete, 5.5 miles of NCT will be moved off-road, allowing trail users to wander more safely across this scenic farmland. From the MDOT side, this project will help develop a multi-use, non-motorized trail closing the last unfunded gap in the 125-mile Fred Meijer Mid-West Michigan Regional Trail network, allowing for uninterrupted use across six counties from Owosso to Lowell to Greenville to Alma.

See North Country Trail Association


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North Country Trail Association Introduces New Executive Director

Kate Hagner (photo from the NCTA)

a news release of the North Country Trail Association

Editor's note- With nearly 1200 miles of North Country Trail located in Michigan, about half in the Lower Peninsula, NCT news is definitely Get Off The Couch news.

The NCTA welcomes Kate Hagner, the North Country Trail Association’s new Executive Director. Mid-June, she will begin leading the Association from her home in Vermont.

Kate comes from nearly 20 years of service with the Student Conservation Association. Most recently, she was the Senior Director for Enterprise Operations, providing organizational leadership and aligning systems, processes, and teams to support strategic growth, program effectiveness, and mission impact. She led in other management and director roles for 12 years prior. Kate holds a B.A. in English from Smith College and an M.A. in English and Writing from the University of Texas.

“I’ve lived in Minnesota, upstate New York, and now Vermont – places all connected to the geography of this trail,” said Kate. “Meaningful outdoor experiences do not need to happen only in iconic destinations. I love that the North Country Trail is close to where so many people already live and work. Because of the NCTA, [the trail] is a thread connecting people, place, and time. As Executive Director, I will work to strengthen that thread – to protect it, expand it, and invite more people to see themselves as part of it.”

“I am confident that under Kate’s leadership, the NCTA will continue to thrive, strengthen partnerships, and build momentum toward the forever trail,” said Jan Ulferts Stewart, NCTA Board President.

Cheryl Kreindler will remain Interim Executive Director until Kate is fully onboarded.

You may post a welcome message to Kate at Kudoboard


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NCTA 2007 Progress Report

The North Country Trail Association reports: We have moved through the holiday season and into a new year. It's important to celebrate all that has been accomplished on and for the North Country National Scenic Trail in 2007. We've had a great year! We've made tremendous strides in many areas. Here are a highlighted few:

• 31% increase in our volunteer hours accrued on the Trail, totaling 43,599.40 hours between October 2006 and September 2007
• Funded $16,580 in great volunteer-generated Field Grant projects
• Major progress in route planning in the MN Arrowhead region and the Adirondack Park
• Regional trail management staff has taken trail planning and partnership building to a new level
• Ongoing Trail development & improvements in every state
• New interest in connecting with the Long Trail in Vermont
• Our chapters are more active and viable
• We've participated in more outreach events than ever before

In 2008 and beyond the Association's focus will include, but not be limited to, four strategic initiatives:

• Membership-reach at least 4600 members-one for every mile-by the end of 2008
• Development-increasing and diversifying revenues
• Recognition-doing a much better job of telling our story and increasing public awareness of the Trail, and
• Trail Development-applying a project management approach to identifying and prioritizing key Trail segments for completion.

As we explore how to best promote and actualize these basic ingredients for the Trail's overall success and permanence on the landscape we will need your support and help!

from the North Country Trail Association
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North Country Trail Closed Near Highbridge

historical marker just west of the cave in

by Joan H. Young

The North Country National Scenic Trail is temporarily closed from Highbridge to Dilling Road, just south of Brethren, Michigan.

There is a section of trail just east of the historic location of Highbridge (just east on the trail from Highbridge Road), that has slumped away. The trail in this location is benched in to a steep hillside. There have always been springs on this section of trail which flow in spring and then dry up. For whatever reasons, probably including the high amounts of rainfall the area has seen this year, the springs have continued to run. The result is that a 16-foot section of the trail has fallen down the hillside.

Due to the steep hillside, there is no safe way for hikers to detour around this section, so the Forest Service has temporarily closed the trail.

Members of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, working with the Forest Service, will be attempting to fix the problem on Saturday, October 4. Rather than try to cut trail into the now-damaged hillside, a bridge will be built across this section.

For more information contact Ed Chappel, Trail Work Coordinator for Spirit of the Woods.

See Spirit of the Woods Chapter NCTA
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Muskegon Hiker Does the Manistee NCT - A Long Walk In the Woods

by Bruce Sparks of Muskegon

The best way I can think to describe my week is this slight modification of the title of Bill Bryson's book on his ill-fated journey on the Appalachian Trail. His book is titled, "A Walk in the Woods". Over and over during the week I found myself talking to myself and saying that I was just enjoying a long walk in the woods. And really that is just what it was.

I noticed that my wife looked a little uncertain as I shouldered the pack and headed off down the trail away from Mesick, Michigan. Her discomfort might have grown a little as not 20 minutes after she left me we both heard the same thunder and were in the same storm. Only Susan was dry in the car and I was getting my first good dousing of the early week. It rained off and on the rest of the day, night and morning of the next day. Interspersed among the rain drops were 4 fairly substantial hail storms. I actually preferred the hail since I didn't get wet from the little icy pellets as they bounced off me.....and with 5 layers of clothes on I didn't feel them either.

This section of the North Country Trail had just been completed this summer and although officially certified and marked it was not yet on any of the trail maps I had purchased. The trail went right along the edge of the Hodenpyl Dam Pond....actually a large lake. It could have passed for one of the lakes in northern Canada that I have loved canoeing in so much.

Next I encountered the most demanding section of my hike as you go up and down following the ridges on the west side of the Manistee River Valley. Taking this long walk in November was an advantage because with 50% of the leaves already fallen you could see through the foliage and enjoy the views from the highest spots in the area. Yet there were still enough leaves and color to make it a spectacular view. It had been a long time since I had tried a long distance hike like this and I was unsure of my limitations But by the time it got pitch dark at 7:20pm (the sun had officially set around 6:40) I had covered over 18 miles comfortably that first day. That was a confidence builder.

The biggest disadvantage to hiking in November is that darkness comes early forcing you off the trail and into your tent. Then you can feel trapped waiting for the first signs of dawn that didn't come until just after 8:00am on this particular week. My pattern was to take a break on the trail and eat dinner and then not stop walking until at least 6:45 pm when I would put up my tent in twilight. The next morning I would be out of the tent by 7am and after packing up quickly (because it was cold) I would follow the trail for the first 30 minutes or so by the light of my small flashlight. I slept really well most nights.

At the end of the Day #2 I was way ahead of where I thought I would be. As I pitched my tent in a grove of big spruce trees it snowed big fluffy flakes for about 30 minutes. It was a Christmas type scene and I think I even sang a couple of Christmas carols out loud as I was settling in. Kind of magical.

One particular section on the next day had just one variety of tree that had golden yellow leaves. Most of the leaves had recently fallen and the whole area was blanketed in golden leaves that had not yet curled or dulled as they dried out. The whole area was an unbroken carpet of bright yellow and gold. Wow.

I was looking forward to a brighter warmer day for Day #4 and it was slowly warming up. At lunch I stopped to eat right on the banks of the Pere Marquette River. Not long after I began to prepare my lunch three older fishermen came floating down the river and chose to stop at this same spot for lunch. They had a big cooler full of food. They didn't offer me anything at all, but I wasn't coveting their stash because I was preparing another hot MRE for my meal.

I decided to stop at 3pm at a National Forest Campground because I wanted to build a fire that night and felt more comfortable doing so in one of the steel fire pits. I had fantasized about someone leaving a whole stack of nicely stacked unused wood at one of the campsites thus meaning I would not even have to gather wood. But that was just a fantasy and not reality. But it wasn't hard to gather my own and soon I had a blazing fire going. The sky was completely clear and I was camping in the field under a magnificent blanket of stars, that were not all dimmed by moonlight or any street lights or lights from town. It has been a long time since I sat for hours by a fire under a sky like that.

Day #5. This is an 8 mile section of trail in which you walk past six small lakes. As I walked down the trail towards the lakes the sun was coming high into the sky and warming everything up. For a while I walked with outstretched arms just trying to soak it all in. I sat down for 30 minutes or so just before noon at the first lake that I came to. I'm sure this lake wasn't even an acre big but it was beautiful with the fall colors bordering it. The light breeze was blowing across the surface and the sunlight was sparkling as if the lake was full of diamonds just below the surface. I can be mesmerized watching the patterns in the water.

On Day #7 I passed a solo hiker who was able to tell me that I was about a two hour hike from the end at Croton Dam and so I was able to call my wife who met me soon after I finished at 3:30. The maps says I walked 139 miles during the week.

The best memory was watching a bald eagle swoop over one of the small lakes. I began to think how I could not have enjoyed this glorious moment if not for some of the less pleasant moments that preceded it......the cold of the night before, the monotony of some of the miles, the chill of the rain. None of those times were so bad and I even enjoyed them in an odd way but they weren't highlight moments. They were the kind of moments that most of life is made up of. Some rough times, but mostly okay times... even good times, but not earth-shaking thrilling stop the presses times. But it seems to me that if I will be faithful and consistent in these more mundane times then the reward is the occasional incredible moment that is simply priceless. I think it applies to our marriages and a lot of other things. I want to keep on going, trying to be steady as I journey.

I have already had far more incredibly great mind blowing moments and memories then I deserve. But I believe there are more ahead if I don't stop.

See North Country Trail Association
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See North Country Trail- Manistee County
See North Country Trail- Mason County
See North Country Trail- Lake County
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Newaygo Birch Grove Loop Trail Dedicated

Nine-mile trail loop offers scenic detour

The new Birch Grove trail is a nine-mile loop off the North Country Trail that allows hikers to enjoy the freedom to walk without having to backtrack or spot a second car. A shorter five- to six-mile loop also can be hiked.

The Birch Grove loop provides hikers with access to area attractions such as Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary, the NCTA Schoolhouse, which through-hikers can use as a shelter and Diamond Lake County Park. Day hikers can set out from any of a number of trailheads and return to their car. The Birch Grove route is marked with white blazes on trees. Blue blazes mark official sections of the North Country Trail. Where two blazes are found, the trail will take a turn.

The northern part of the route is scenic. The southern end of the loop runs through a former 1,017-acre Steelcase executive retreat known as Camp Swampy, which has since been acquired by The Nature Conservancy. Half of those have since been transferred to the Manistee National Forest, which expected to take possession of the rest this summer. Camping is permitted on any of the national forest lands.

"We tried to connect things of interest," said Paul Haan, of Grand Rapids, the volunteer trails manager for the Western Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. "The best features include Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary, a really nice bog on the south end of the trail, and Diamond Lake which has a public beach and people can camp there, too.

"Our intent was to create a loop big enough that people could make a short backpack of it and if it lent itself to a day hike then great."

This loop can be accessed from the Birch Grove NCTA School House. Turn west on 5 Mile Road off M-37 just north of White Cloud. Go to Felch and turn south. The schoolhouse is 0.1 mile on the left.

by Howard Meyerson
read the entire article at mLive.com- see FAIR USE notice
more about the Western Michigan Chapter NCTA
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NCT Maps Updates Change Mile Mark Numbers

segment of online NCT interactive maps

The North Country Trail Association's online, interactive maps to the trail have become an "overnight" hit. More and more, I hear people communicating with others about meeting locations, or defining segments by referring to the mile marker numbers.

This is a good thing, but can lead to misunderstandings, if one does not realize that these numbers can change. This is the beauty of the interactive maps, given that there is still a lot of work to do to get all of the trail off road. But it can also be problematic.

For example, the NCTA just published this information. "We're releasing a new round of updates for the North Country Trail in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. Included in this round of updates - for the first time - are new maps that cover the NCT in Pennsylvania's Butler, Clarion and Venango Counties. These updates COMPLETE the section maps for the NCT in Pennsylvania, totaling just over 280 miles. The updates in Wisconsin and Michigan represent both trail relocations and improvements in trail data. In all cases, these updates have caused the half-mile waypoints to shift statewide in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan."

Each state is divided into half-mile segments, beginning at the western end of the trail in the state. Michigan's mile 0.0 is at the western end of the Upper Peninsula on Lake Road, just east of Wisconsin's mile 210.5. Whenever, the route changes, all the numbers in that state which are higher than the location of the change will automatically shift to reflect the change.

Personally, I've fallen victim to updates twice in the past 3 months. One person gave directions using the mile numbers, but by the time I needed to find those locations, the numbers had shifted a bit. Our most recent chapter hike began at Highbanks Rollway. Publicity was sent out listing this as mile 754, but by the week of the hike it had shifted to mile 755. Just be aware that these changes can and will occur.

Just to be on the safe side, be sure that if a critical meeting is involved, you describe the location in "traditional" terms in addition to giving a mile number.

Just remember, number shifts are a good thing, because they almost always mean more miles off road, or a the selection of a better route.

based on information from the North Country Trail Association

See North Country Trail maps
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Vote to Fund North Country Trail Projects

by Joan H. Young

You can help raise $5000 to improve the North Country Trail with the click of a mouse!

Through the Save the Trails effort, you can vote for one of 20 trail projects. Ten of these projects will be funded at the $5000 level. Over 70 nominations were received, and 20 finalists from around the United States were selected.

Finalists this year include two projects on the North Country National Scenic Trail. The Nemadji River Valley in northwest Wisconsin is a beautiful deep gorge. Efforts to complete the NCT in Wisconsin are being pressed forward by Bill Menke and his Roving Trail Crew. This project will create about 5.3 miles of new, off-road trail

The other NCT project is found in the state of Ohio. The funds here will help purchase and deliver native sandstone barricades to the Wayne National Forest in southeast Ohio. The trail here has been heavily impacted by illegal off-road vehicle use. Andrew Bashaw is heading the efforts to mitigate this damage

Nature Valley Save the Trails program is a partnership between Nature Valley, the American Hiking Society (AHS), and the Student Conservation Association (SCA) that restores trails in our National Parks. Since 2005, Nature Valley has donated over half a million dollars for trail work. These dollars support the SCA teams, as they live on site for a week at a time to build and maintain trails.

You can see pictures of these project areas, and vote at the Nature Valley Where's Yours web site. Winners will be announced April 30, 2009.

See Where's Yours
See North Country Trail Association
See American Hiking Society
See Student Conservation Association
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