Hike and Bike the North Country Trail

The longest hiking trail in the U.S. is managed by the National Park Service and passes through 10 National Forests. It was created in 1980 and may have more pastys per mile than any other national trail!
The trail enters Northern Michigan from the Upper Peninsula and goes through Mackinaw City before entering Wilderness State Park, where it follows the Lake Michigan shoreline. Heading south, the route passes north of Harbor Springs and through Petoskey, Mackinaw State Forest and Pere Marquette State Forest before reaching Manistee National Forest, south of Traverse City. The North Country Trail section from Mackinaw City to Petoskey is 46 miles long.
The trail is perfect for hiking, some camping, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and mountain biking. The terrain varies from flat to rolling with scenic vistas. All four seasons offer beauty along this trail.
In Emmet County, the trail is managed by the Harbor Springs chapter of the North Country Trail. Maps can be found at the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce or Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
Read more about the Central West Michigan section of the North Country Trail.
More to Discover in Mackinaw City...
- Rendezvous in Mackinaw
- Mackinaw City Michigan Travel Information
- Say it Mackinaw or Mackinac?
- The Mighty Mackinac Bridge in Northern Michigan
- International Dark Sky Park
- Explore the Dark Sky Park Discovery Trail Near Mackinaw City
- McGulpin Rock Has Helped Mariners Since 1615
- Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan
- Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City
- Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum
- Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
- Heritage Village Celebrates Mackinaw's History
- Mackinaw City Historical Pathway
- Visit Mackinaw City on the Straits of Mackinac
- Hop Aboard a Northern Michigan Ferry
- Mackinac Island--The Jewel of the Great Lakes
Northern Michigan Great Outdoors...
- Parks Aplenty in the Petoskey Area
- Petoskey State Park
- Petoskey's Bear River Valley Recreation Area
- Petoskey's Bear River Whitewater Park
- Explore the Dark Sky Park Discovery Trail Near Mackinaw City
- Kid's Fishing Pond in Petoskey
- Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan
- Disc Golf Up North in Michigan
- Bike the Little Traverse Wheelway from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix
- The Oden State Fish Hatchery Provides Fish for Lakes & Streams
- Kayaking Up North Is The Best!
- Sailing in Northern Michigan for Adults & Kids
- Hike and Bike the North Country Trail
- Boyne City Outdoor Activities
- Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
- Ride the Breezeway Scenic Highway Between Atwood & Boyne Falls
- Up North Outdoor Activities--Hiking, Biking, Golfing, Boating, Sailing, Skiing--It's All Here!
- Visit Young State Park on Lake Charlevoix Near Boyne City
- Arch Rock - A Natural Wonder on Mackinac Island
- Fall is Filled with Color & Activities in Northern Michigan