Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The North Country Trail crosses some of the most diverse and scenic landscapes in the United States, linking a mosaic of natural and urban environments. From the open plains of North Dakota to the dense woods of the Upper Midwest and the rolling hills of New York, the trail offers an expansive outdoor adventure. This trail is a haven for hikers, allowing them to experience glaciers-carved lakes, hardwood forests, and quaint communities along the way. Completed in segments, it weaves through ten National Forests and many state parks, offering both seasoned backpackers and day-trippers an array of scenic vistas and remote wilderness settings. The trail is also rich in history, from Native American heritage sites to historical markers from the early days of settlement. Gradually, the trail is evolving to more continuous footpaths, which means vistas, quiet streams, and wide-open skies await those willing to carry a pack and venture into the heartlands of America.
