The North Country National Scenic Trail
(NCT for short) is the nation’s longest non-motorized footpath stretching 4,600 miles from NY to ND. Locally, the NCT crosses Otter Tail County from north of Vergas to Fergus Falls to Rothsay. This section is still in development but a few segments may be hiked right now in Maplewood State Park and within Fergus Falls.
The North Country National Scenic Trail is currently in development in the Otter Tail County area. some completed, off-road sections do exist and scenic roadwalks piece the route together for long-distance hikers. The NCT may be accessed locally in Maplewood State Park and in Fergus Falls. Maplewood features a 2.8 mile route through the center of the Park from the Trail Center to Maplewood Church that offers great views of the rolling hills and fabulous fall colors. Fergus Falls currently has a 9.8-mile loop that visits landmarks such as the downtown Riverwalk, Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, Delagoon Park, the Central Lakes Trail, and One Mile Prairie.
The North Country Trail Association
The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that unites individuals, affiliated trail groups, local chapters, corporate sponsors and others linked in support of building and maintaining the North Country National Scenic Trail, and telling its story. A not-for-profit membership organization of volunteers along the seven-state trail and elsewhere, the NCTA partners with the National Park Service in bringing the North Country Trail to local communities. NCTA chapters support members as they “adopt” and maintain a section of trail, sponsor hikes and other social events in local trail communities, and plan and conduct major trail-building projects.
An Introduction to the North Country National Scenic Trail from North Country Trail on Vimeo.