North Country Trail Association

10/13/2026

The NCT simply wouldn't be in Vermont if it wasn't for the Middlebury Area Land Trust & Trail Around Middlebury. Their willingness to collaborate and maintain a strong partnership for 20 years now has made such a difference for our trail community as a whole. Included in this appreciation is John Derick: a steadfast MALT volunteer who has furthered the success of the trail oh so significantly for decades. He helped negotiate easements across private properties, including a critical one with Monument Farms. That said, the willingness and partnership of local landowners has also been absolutely essential to make the trail a reality.

📸 MALT

10/12/2026

Thanks to a service corps grant from the National Park Foundation, we've been able to enlist the help of SEEDS EcoCorps to assist NCTA volunteers this fall and into next year ⚒ Together, they're eliminating roadwalk, clearing trail and repairing tread, fixing erosion issues, and building boardwalk across Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula. Near Harbor Springs, a crew of 16 has been helping clear a trail corridor that has been closed since a damaging ice storm early 2025. To date, they have spent nearly 300 hours on this project. The crew's next focus is constructing a variety of short trail reroutes on the Lake Superior shoreline around heavily eroded sections.

📸 SEEDS EcoCorps

10/10/2026

✨ The NCTA presents Blue Blazes Benefactor Awards to those who demonstrate vision and generosity through significant monetary or in-kind contribution(s) to the North Country Trail or the NCTA. This year, we're honored to celebrate Peter Bennett and Julia Davey, and Jon and Christine Saari - all of Michigan - for their thoughtfulness and philanthropy. Join us in thanking them, and see the unique ways the contributed at northcountrytrail.org/blog.

10/08/2026

The North Country Trail can get you there!

A 105-acre old-growth red pine forest in the U.P. includes trees more than 300 years old, with some possibly over 400.

10/08/2026

Why recommend a donor-advised fund this season?

⭐ Your grant immediately funds vital maintenance, bridge building, chainsaw safety certifications, and land protection efforts along eight northern states.
⭐ Because you already received a tax deduction when contributing to your DAF, recommending a grant is a seamless, hassle-free step that requires no additional receipts or tax filing line items.
⭐ DAF grants allow you to strategically plan your charitable contribution, ensuring the blue blazes remain clear for future generations of hikers.

Set things today at northcountrytrail.org/support.

10/07/2026

⭐ NEW MERCH! Showcase the amazing volunteers and partners who make sure the North Country Trail is in its best shape for you to enjoy. Eight variations are available for you to choose from between now and October 19. Get yours today at bonfire.com/store/ncta.

10/05/2026

We love to see someone from the Western U.S. enjoying the NCT 🎉 Arne traveled over to experience more than 1,000 miles of it.

"I learned while hiking the Ice Age Trail that I like the small towns as much as the forests - the family-owned restaurants and small stores, the conversations and discovery with curious locals, the history and years worn by the buildings, old and new. I wanted to continue hiking in the Midwest, and the NCT seemed like a supersize way to do so."

Read more about Arne and this volunteer-led long-distance hiker recognition program at northcountrytrail.org/blog.

10/02/2026

If you're a young professional looking to build a career in trails and public lands, apply today for the Trail Apprentice Program with the Partnership for the National Trails System. It's an excellent opportunity to expand your network and to cultivate your skills in research, communications, fundraising, advocacy, policy, and beyond. You'll also be able to attend some excellent events throughout the year.

Applications close on October 7.

📸 Matt Davis

09/30/2026

If the North Country Trail feels like home, don’t miss this!

Just like an epic sunset over the North Dakota prairie🌾today is the last day of our membership drive. Act before midnight tonight to claim your limited-edition gifts before they’re gone for good. These items were created for people like you, who truly value the peace and freedom this trail offers. Join now to take home a piece of it, and to help protect miles and memories for years to come.

northcountrytrail.org/join

09/27/2026

Each year, the National Park Service acknowledges the outstanding volunteers who go more than the extra mile for the North Country Trail. The following have now volunteered more than 2,500 hours to the trail. Help us applaud them!

Jim Charvat (MI), Eric Maturi (MN), Michael Sekely (MI), Brad Slagle (MI), Brad Stewart, and Mark Wadopian (NY).

📸 Aaron Deiter | Western Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association NCTA Arrowhead Chapter NCTA Marquette Area Chapter North Country Trail, Hiawatha Shore-To-Shore Chapter Central New York Chapter North Country Trail Association