North Country National Scenic Trail — Wisconsin
Douglas/Bayfield/Ashland/Iron County, Wisconsin
The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in the United States — stretching 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont. Wisconsin claims just 220 miles through the northwest corner of the state, but those miles are exceptional. The trail clips through Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron Counties, passing through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Pattison State Park, Brule River State Forest, Copper Falls State Park, Rainbow Lake Wilderness, and Porcupine Lake Wilderness. Importantly, Wisconsin is responsible for the trail's name — the original 60-mile Northern Country Trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest inspired the creation of the entire national system. Two official NCTA Trail Towns in Wisconsin: Solon Springs and Mellen.
Miles
220 mi
Difficulty
Moderate
Groomed
No
Fee
Free
Don't Miss
Wisconsin gave the North Country Trail its name — the original 60-mile trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest inspired the entire 4,800-mile national system. The trail passes through two federally designated wilderness areas (Rainbow Lake and Porcupine Lake), Copper Falls State Park, and ends dramatically at Lake Superior's shore at Saxon Harbor.
Trail Systems
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Section (Bayfield County)
61-mile section traversing the northern half of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest from County Highway A near Lake Ruth (5 miles south of Iron River) to FR 390 west of Mellen. This is the oldest section of trail in Wisconsin and provided the name for the entire national system. Passes through Rainbow Lake Wilderness and Porcupine Lake Wilderness. Excellent summer hiking and backpacking. Cross-country skiing possible in late winter when a snow crust forms.
Trailheads
- 📍County Highway A near Lake Ruth — approximately 5 miles south of Iron River WI
- 📍FR 390 — approximately 2 miles west of Mellen WI
- 📍Multiple intermediate access points — see NCTA map
📞 Chequamegon NCTA Chapter — northcountrytrail.org | Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest — 715-634-4821
Douglas County Section
Passes through Douglas County Forest, Pattison State Park (highest waterfall in Wisconsin at 165 feet), St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, and the town of Solon Springs — an official NCTA Trail Town. Features the MacQuarrie Wetlands and Brule-St. Croix Portage Trail.
Trailheads
- 📍Pattison State Park, Superior WI
- 📍Solon Springs — official NCTA Trail Town
📞 Brule-St. Croix NCTA Chapter — northcountrytrail.org
Iron County Section
Passes through Iron County Forest, Copper Falls State Park, and ends at Saxon Harbor on Lake Superior before crossing into Michigan's Upper Peninsula via the Montreal River bridge. The trail briefly encounters the Lake Superior shoreline at Saxon Harbor County Park.
Trailheads
- 📍Copper Falls State Park, Mellen WI
- 📍Saxon Harbor County Park — Lake Superior shoreline terminus in Wisconsin
📞 Heritage NCTA Chapter — northcountrytrail.org
Rules & Regulations
- No motorized vehicles on any North Country Trail segment — foot travel only
- No fee to hike the trail itself — state park admission sticker required where trail passes through state parks
- Only foot travel allowed within wilderness areas — no bicycles, horses, or motorized vehicles
- Stay on marked trail — many sections cross private property
- Designated campsites every 2-8 miles along trail from West Mail Road to Bayfield A
- Dogs welcome on leash — clean up after your pet
- Cross-country skiing allowed but best in late winter with snow crust — snowshoeing permitted in most locations
- Check northcountrytrail.org for trail alerts and current conditions
Trailer Parking
| Location | Address | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| Pattison State Park | 6294 S State Rd 35, Superior WI 54880 | Douglas County section — admission sticker required |
| Copper Falls State Park | 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen WI 54546 | Iron County section — admission sticker required |
| County Highway A Trailhead | County Hwy A near Lake Ruth, ~5 miles south of Iron River WI | Chequamegon-Nicolet section north end |
| Solon Springs | Solon Springs WI — official NCTA Trail Town | Douglas County section midpoint |
ATV / UTV Clubs
- 🏍️North Country Trail Association (NCTA) — northcountrytrail.org
- 🏍️Brule-St. Croix Chapter NCTA — Douglas County
- 🏍️Chequamegon Chapter NCTA — Bayfield/Ashland County (61-mile National Forest section)
- 🏍️Heritage Chapter NCTA — Iron County
- 🏍️Wisconsin Roving Trail Crew (Rovers) — builds new trail segments — northcountrytrail.org
- 🏍️National Park Service — manages trail as National Park System unit since 2023
While You're Here
- Pattison State Park — Big Manitou Falls, the highest waterfall in Wisconsin at 165 feet
- Copper Falls State Park — one of Wisconsin's most scenic gorge and waterfall areas
- Saxon Harbor County Park — Lake Superior shoreline, stunning views into Michigan's Upper Peninsula
- Rainbow Lake Wilderness and Porcupine Lake Wilderness — federal wilderness areas along the trail
Official Resources
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Location
Quick Facts
- County
- Douglas/Bayfield/Ashland/Iron County
- Trail Types
- Hiking, Snowshoeing
- Total Miles
- 220 miles
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- Groomed
- No
- Fee
- No