A Unique Spring Break Adventure

Elizabeth Williams
Intern at the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce

One thing I love about the Upper Peninsula is the ample access to trails. I frequent the Al Quaal trails and all the hot spots in Marquette, but I have yet to hike the North Country Trail.

For those unfamiliar with the North Country Trail, it is a 4,700-mile trail that extends from North Dakota through eight states to Vermont. Michigan is home to more miles than any other state at almost 1,150, 550 of those miles cutting right through the U.P.

I was unaware of how expansive the trail network was until recently, having never having utilized the trail before. There are two local hiking chapters: the North Country Trail Hikers Chapter and the Superior Shoreline Chapter.

The trail is directly connected to the Iron Ore Heritage Trail at the Superior lakeshore in Marquette for the ambitious hikers, runners, and cyclists out there.

Craig Lake State Park, just past Michigamme, also boasts a section of the North Country Trail and just over 8,400 acres of land. As the most remote park in the state system, they are the division between the Western and Central Upper Peninsula sections of the trail.

With Spring Break just around the corner and no Florida vacation on my schedule, the North Country Trail can provide a fun hiking experience and picturesque views. Couple a well-kept trail with some of the beautiful spring-like weather we've been experiencing, and you've got yourself a day trip. See you on trails!

Source: Trail Town: Marquette - North Country Trail Association