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319.4 km
~12 days
1949 m
Multi-Day
“Embark on Wisconsin's North Country Trail for an enchanting 198-mile hike through diverse landscapes and rich history.”
Spanning approximately 319 kilometers (about 198 miles) with an elevation gain of around 1900 meters (approximately 6234 feet), the North Country Trail in Wisconsin offers a diverse and enriching hiking experience. This point-to-point trail begins near Douglas County, Wisconsin, and is rated as medium difficulty, making it accessible to hikers with a moderate level of experience.
Getting to the Trailhead
To reach the starting point of the North Country Trail in Wisconsin, hikers can drive to the trailhead located near Douglas County. For those relying on public transportation, options may be limited, but regional bus services can be used to get closer to the area, followed by a taxi or ride-sharing service to the trailhead itself.
Navigating the Trail
Hikers can utilize the HiiKER app for detailed maps and navigation assistance throughout their journey. The app provides real-time GPS tracking and offline maps, which are essential for areas with limited cell service.
Trail Highlights and Landmarks
As you embark on the trail, you'll traverse through a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, open meadows, and serene lakeshores. The trail is well-marked, guiding hikers through some of Wisconsin's most picturesque wilderness areas.
One of the early highlights is the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where the trail meanders through old-growth forests and past glacial lakes. Wildlife is abundant here, with chances to spot white-tailed deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species.
Further along, the trail intersects with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This area is rich in geological history, showcasing features formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago. Hikers can explore moraines, drumlins, and kettle lakes that dot the landscape.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The North Country Trail in Wisconsin is not just a journey through nature, but also a passage through time. The trail crosses paths with several historical sites, including old logging camps and Native American trails. These areas offer a glimpse into the region's past, from the early indigenous peoples to the European settlers who later developed the logging industry.
Safety and Preparation
Before setting out, hikers should be prepared for the varying weather conditions that can occur in Wisconsin. It's important to pack layers, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Additionally, carrying a water filter is advisable, as there are numerous streams and lakes where water can be sourced and treated.
Wildlife and Conservation
Hikers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the trail's natural beauty and habitat. The trail is home to a diverse ecosystem, and it's crucial to minimize human impact to protect the wildlife and plant species that thrive here.
End of the Trail
As you approach the end of the North Country Trail in Wisconsin, the landscape begins to transition into more agricultural areas, offering a different perspective on the region's land use. The trail concludes in a rural setting, where hikers can arrange for pick-up or continue their journey by connecting to other trails in the extensive North Country Trail system.
What to expect?
Activity types
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hike the North Country Trail - Wisconsin?
The North Country Trail - Wisconsin is 319.4 km, or about 198 miles, so most thru-hikers break it into a multi-day trip rather than attempting it all at once. A strong backpacking pace often puts the full Wisconsin section in the roughly two- to three-week range, depending on resupply stops, weather, and how much time is spent in places like Pattison State Park, the Brule River area, and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
What are the main highlights along the North Country Trail - Wisconsin?
The North Country Trail - Wisconsin passes through some of the best-known landscapes in northern Wisconsin, including the Douglas County Wildlife Area, Pattison State Park, Brule River State Forest, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Copper Falls State Park, and the Bad River corridor. Notable features along the route include waterfalls, river valleys, glacial lakes, stretches of pine forest, and sections near Trail Towns such as Solon Springs and Mellen.
Where can hikers park for the North Country Trail - Wisconsin in Douglas County?
Parking for the North Country Trail - Wisconsin is usually handled through small roadside trail crossings and a few more established trailheads rather than one single main lot. In the Douglas County area, commonly used access points include the US-53 Trailhead and crossings near county and forest roads, while some state park access points may require a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker if the route is entered through Pattison State Park.
Can you camp along the North Country Trail - Wisconsin?
Camping is available along much of the North Country Trail - Wisconsin, with designated campsites spaced roughly every 2 to 8 miles on some sections from West Mail Road toward Bayfield A. In Douglas County, low-impact camping is permitted on Douglas County Forest lands along the roadwalk between West Mail Road and Pattison State Park, and there are also developed campgrounds near the trail in Pattison and Copper Falls State Parks plus U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the Chequamegon area.
Is the North Country Trail - Wisconsin dog friendly?
Dogs can be brought on much of the North Country Trail - Wisconsin, but rules change by land manager and by segment. One important exception is the Doughboys Nature Trail portion within Copper Falls State Park, where dogs are not allowed, and there are also use restrictions on some winter trail segments such as the Penokee Mountain ski trail area.
Is the North Country Trail - Wisconsin difficult?
The North Country Trail - Wisconsin is generally considered one of the more approachable long-distance hikes in the region, and this route is rated easy overall despite its 319.4 km length. Much of the tread follows flat to gently rolling terrain, although the full route still adds up to about 1,949 meters of elevation gain, so the challenge comes more from distance, logistics, and changing surfaces than from sustained steep climbing.
What is the best time of year to hike the North Country Trail - Wisconsin?
Late spring through fall is usually the most practical window for the North Country Trail - Wisconsin, when trail conditions are better for long-distance hiking and access to campgrounds and trailheads is more reliable. Fall is especially popular in northern Wisconsin because the route crosses forest, lake, and river country around places like the Douglas County Wildlife Area and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, while winter use is possible on some segments for snowshoeing or skiing.
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