NCTA Itasca Moraine Chapter

06/02/2026

Thanks to Blane Klemek, outdoors writer & Regional Wildlife Manager for the MN-DNR for writing about his personal experience on the NCT in northcentral Minnesota. Find the full article at https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/northland-outdoors/blane-klemek-outdoors-the-north-country-trail-is-an-overlooked-treasure-close-to-home?auth0Authentication=true&__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar

06/01/2026

Guided Hike # 2 on June 6th - see pinned post and RSVP there.

Send a message to learn more

06/01/2026

Hike #1 2026 at Waboose Lake in the books! Janita had a great group, the weather cooperated with sunshine and fun was had by all!

GUIDED HIKE #2
SATURDAY JUNE 6.
OLD HERON ROOKERY

See the pinned post at the top of the page for details and please RSVP in that post.

Happy hiking!

05/28/2026

Thanks to Chris Oppitz Chris Stoltenow and her husband Mike, Janice Springer and Steve Booth, the work is almost complete on the section just west of Hubbard 91 on the ITM/NCTA! Another work day will be needed to remove the remaining demo and replace the 12 foot bridge one mile to the west near Crappie Lake.

05/26/2026

The Chippewa National Forest is currently finishing up their prescribed burn in the Goose Lake area near Longville.

Why prescribed burns?Prescribed fire is used to manage hazardous fuels, wildlife habitat, improve plant diversity and meet silvicultural objectives.

05/22/2026

HIKE #2 REMINDER - June 2nd
Please RSVP to the # in the post below

GUIDED HIKE #2
SATURDAY JUNE 6.
OLD HERON ROOKERY
Meet at LAKE GEORGE STORE
9:30 am to arrange carpool to trail head.
PLEASE RSVP TO 320-290-9532
Trail begins at Schoolcraft river and the
road into there is rough.
This will be a hike in and out to a lovely
area where herons used to have a rookery.
There are some small elevations.
Some nests still are there.
At most it is a 2-3 hour hike. Less than 3 miles round trip.
Good shoes, water, snacks, mosquitos and tick protection.
Hiking poles if desired.

05/22/2026

Quick reminder - SATURDAY MAY 30th
Please RSVP to the # in the post

GUIDED HIKES ARE BACK!
Hike #1
WABOOSE LAKE
SATURDAY MAY 30
Meet at the trailhead by 9:45. Hike at 10.
PLEASE TEXT RSVP TO 320-290-9532.
Best route is north through Nevis to Inner Forest Road.
Good shoes, water, snacks, mosquitos and tick protection.
Hiking poles if desired.
This is a family friendly, circle route hike of about 4 miles.
We will spend about 3 hours on the hike.
Gathering at Janita's cabin after if desired.

05/13/2026

FYI: The Chippewa National Forest may be doing a prescribed burn near the NCT in the vicinity of the Goose Lake Trail system (map: https://arcg.is/10fbSm2) between Hackensack and Longville. Please follow all posted signs and guidance from Forest Service employees if you plan to hike in that area in the near future.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chippewa/fire/management

Why prescribed burns?Prescribed fire is used to manage hazardous fuels, wildlife habitat, improve plant diversity and meet silvicultural objectives.

05/05/2026

https://www.startribunecompany.com/services/strib-unbound/ #

For anyone looking for a fun thing to do on Saturday, check out the Strib Unbound event in Golden Valley. There will be a NCT program at 12:30-1pm.

05/05/2026

New Puncheon is being installed! Great job crew!!

On Saturday, May 2nd we did demo and rebuilt over half the 130' puncheon 3/4 mile west of the Hubbard County Road 91 trailhead in Paul Bunyan State Forest. Present were new adopters Chris & Mike Stoltenow and Steve Wignes, old adopters Chris & Rachel Oppitz, and board member Paul Morin.

We will have one more workday to finish the puncheon, replace a 12' bridge one mile to the west, and finish removal of all demo materials.