North Country National Scenic Trail

Highlights

The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in the United States, stretching roughly…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 500 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, the North Country Trail is best understood as a network of rideable segments rather than one continuous horseback route. In regions where the trail overlaps with national forests, rail-trails, and state recreation lands, riders can explore wide natural corridors through hardwood forests, prairie landscapes, and along the shores of the Great Lakes. These areas often provide the most practical riding opportunities along the system.

Rideable terrain

500 miles

Trailer parking

Michigan Jordan Valley Pathway Trailhead One of the best-known staging areas where the North Country Trail overlaps with the Jordan Valley Pathway. Why riders use it Large trailhead parking suitable for trailers Multi-use forest trail system Scenic riding through pine forest and river valleys Marilla Trailhead Located in the Manistee National Forest, where the trail overlaps with forest recreation trails. Features Horse-friendly parking area Access to forest roads and trail corridors Popular staging point for longer rides Wisconsin Brule River State Forest Equestrian Campground Why riders like it Developed equestrian campground Corrals and trailer parking Access to Miles of forest riding trails Minnesota Superior National Forest Trailheads Many trailheads within the forest allow trailers. Typical features Gravel parking lots Access to forest road networks Multi-use trail segments shared with the North Country Trail Ohio Wabash Cannonball Trail Trailhead This rail-trail section of the North Country Trail is one of the few places horses are explicitly allowed along the route. Why it works well Wide crushed-stone trail surface Easy trailer access Long, flat riding distances Pennsylvania Allegheny National Forest Equestrian Trailheads Popular staging areas include: Tracy Ridge Trailhead Twin Lakes Recreation Area These areas provide trailer parking and access to multi-use forest trails.

Horse regulations

Horses Are Allowed Only on Certain Segments The North Country Trail is primarily designed as a long-distance hiking trail, and many sections are narrow single-track paths that do not permit horses. Horseback riding is generally allowed only where the trail overlaps with: Multi-use recreation trails Rail-trails National forest trail systems State forest or recreation area trails Some rural road corridors Riders should verify that horses are permitted on a specific section before traveling. Follow Local Land Management Rules Different sections of the trail pass through lands managed by agencies such as: U.S. Forest Service State parks and forests County recreation systems Private land corridors Each land manager may have its own rules regarding: Trail access for horses Seasonal closures Permits or trail passes Designated riding routes Always check the regulations of the specific park, forest, or recreation area where you plan to ride. Stay on Designated Trails In areas where horseback riding is allowed, riders should remain on: Established trails Forest roads Multi-use pathways Leaving designated trails can damage sensitive soils and vegetation, particularly in wetland areas common along the trail corridor. Weed-Free Feed Requirements Many forests and recreation areas along the trail require riders to use: Certified weed-free hay Pelletized or processed feed This helps prevent the spread of invasive plants into sensitive ecosystems. Yielding and Trail Courtesy On shared trail segments, riders should follow standard multi-use trail etiquette: Horses generally yield to hikers when space allows Slow to a walk when passing other users Announce your presence early on narrow trails Because some sections are narrow single-track, riders may need to dismount or step off the trail to safely pass other users. Leave No Trace for Stock Users To protect trail conditions and natural resources, riders should: Pack out trash and manure where required Avoid tying horses directly to trees for extended periods Camp only in designated areas if overnight stock camping is allowed Minimize trail damage in muddy or wet conditions

Getting here

Use 318 East Main Street, Suite K, Lowell, Michigan as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Michigan Jordan Valley Pathway Trailhead One of the best-known staging areas where the North Country Trail overlaps with the Jordan Valley Pathway. Why riders use it Large trailhead parking suitable for trailers Multi-use forest trail system Scenic riding through pine forest and river valleys Marilla Trailhead Located in the Manistee National Forest, where the trail overlaps with forest recreation trails. Features Horse-friendly parking area Access to forest roads and trail corridors Popular staging point for longer rides Wisconsin Brule River State Forest Equestrian Campground Why riders like it Developed equestrian campground Corrals and trailer parking Access to Miles of forest riding trails Minnesota Superior National Forest Trailheads Many trailheads within the forest allow trailers. Typical features Gravel parking lots Access to forest road networks Multi-use trail segments shared with the North Country Trail Ohio Wabash Cannonball Trail Trailhead This rail-trail section of the North Country Trail is one of the few places horses are explicitly allowed along the route. Why it works well Wide crushed-stone trail surface Easy trailer access Long, flat riding distances Pennsylvania Allegheny National Forest Equestrian Trailheads Popular staging areas include: Tracy Ridge Trailhead Twin Lakes Recreation Area These areas provide trailer parking and access to multi-use forest trails.

Planning your visit

The 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) spans eight states from Vermont to North Dakota, featuring key, high-scenery, and frequently accessed areas in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Porcupine Mountains), Minnesota's North Shore (Gooseberry Falls), and Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest. It traverses federal, state, and local lands. The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) primarily consists of natural, unpaved terrain suitable for hiking, featuring dirt, mud, and forest floor surfaces. As a 4,800-mile footpath spanning eight states, it traverses diverse landscapes including forests, farmlands, and wetlands. While mostly rugged, some sections may include gravel, woodchips, or paved, multi-use paths near communities. Offers extensive water access across eight states, ranging from Great Lakes shorelines to prairie rivers. Key water features include Lake Sakakawea (ND), the Missouri and Red Rivers, the Superior National Forest (MN) with numerous lakes Some regions offer significantly better riding opportunities than others. The most horse-friendly segments are generally found in: Michigan Wisconsin Minnesota Ohio Pennsylvania These states have more multi-use trail systems and forest corridors where horses are allowed. Trail Surfaces Vary Widely Because the trail crosses such a large geographic area, riders can encounter a wide range of terrain including: Dirt forest trails Gravel paths Rail-trails with crushed stone surfaces Prairie grasslands Boardwalk sections across wetlands (horses usually prohibited) Weather and seasonal conditions can significantly impact trail conditions. Trailheads and Infrastructure Are Decentralized Unlike a national park with a single entrance, the North Country Trail has hundreds of trailheads scattered across the northern United States. Facilities vary greatly from place to place. Some trailheads offer: Trailer parking Equestrian campgrounds Water access Others may provide only small parking areas or roadside access.

Where to stay

North Country Trail Association Headquarters is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Lowell before heading deeper into federal-land access points.