My favorite trail is the North Country Trail (NCT). The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest in the National Trails System, stretching 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont, traversing forests and farmlands, remote terrain and nearby communities.
In March 2022 I started placing caches along the NCT while working on the 100 mile challenge. I now have over 85 miles of caches on the trail stretching through Manistee, Wexford, and Grand Traverse Counties.
Now it is 2023 and I am working on the 100 mile challenge again. Today I hiked in Grand Traverse County from Mayfield Rd to Ranch Rudolph Rd with Loumiester and Whiskey. This is about a 6 mile hike but there are a few road crossings if you want a shorter hike. The hike starts along 22 Mile Creek which you will cross twice (bridges provided). At one point we heard a large bird take flight. We did not see it but I thought it might have been an eagle. Bart thought maybe it was a pterodactyl. You will see motorcycles trails, the Shore-to Shore Trail (SST), and bicycle trails. Plenty of hills for a cardio workout too. Later you will have nice views high above the Boardman River. North of Scheck's Place State Forest Campground there is a short section of the trail open to snowmobiles and ORVs so be aware.