North Country Trail

The North Country Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in America. The trail goes through eight states from Vermont to North Dakota and is 4,800 miles long. The trail is managed by a nonprofit organization, the North Country Trail Association, and the mission is to develop, maintain, protect and promote the North Country Scenic Trail as the premier hiking path across the northern tier of the United States through a trail wide coalition of volunteers and partners. The National Trails System Acts of 1968 began the federal trail development, and in 1980 Congress authorized the North Country National Scenic Trail. The North Country Trail is one of eleven national scenic trails.

This trail is important to Lowell because not only does the trail go through Lowell Township, the City of Lowell and Vergennes Township, but the National North Country Scenic Trail Headquarters are right here in Lowell.

The move to Lowell in 2001 was made possible by the people of Lowell. 219 E. Main Street, designed and built by local builder and mason Robert Graham, looked ready for demolition. Mark Batchelor, a mason with an appreciation for historical architectural history, a Lowell Township resident and a member of the Planning Commission, headed up the renovation project. Upon completion of the renovations, and of course, a champagne christening of the building, the North Country Trail Association moved into the building with the help of local volunteers, including the Lowell Varsity Football Team. While there are 21 North Country Trail chapters across the country, this was to be the national headquarters.

How do you hike the trail? The North Country Trail Association’s website is a treasure of practical information including maps and educational videos. Do you know how to navigate the North Country Trail? First, you should always have a map with you. The NCT uses blue paint rectangular trail blazes to mark the route. The blazes are spaced apart so that you should only be able to see one blaze at a time. A single blaze means you are on the correct path. Two blazes mean a turn is coming up. If the higher blaze is on the right, then the trail turns to the right. If the higher blaze is on the left, then the trail turns to the left. A single blaze at an intersection indicates that the main trail continues straight.

In 2015, Lowell area resident, Gail Lowe, made national news by hiking the entire trail in one season. She earned a place in history as the first woman to make this accomplishment. An avid long-distance hiker, Gail began the journey to honor the memory of her daughter Becka, who had died of breast cancer the year before, and to claim her place in history.

Each year the NCTA has events and challenges that encourage hikers to get out there and enjoy the trail. You and your dog can walk 100 miles on the trail and earn a patch and dog tag to celebrate your adventure. An easy and beautiful local route is from the Boy Scout Cabin at the end of Washington Street to Fallasburg Park, all on the North Country Trail. Enjoy the beauty in nature and celebrate Lowell history and Lowell history makers.

Images:

North Country Trail blaze mark

North Country Trail Mural on the side of the headquarter building

Detail of mural

100 Mile Patch

100 Mile dog tag
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Map of the North Country Trail System