North Country Trail, NY

The North Country National Scenic Trail, covers up to 3,200 miles and stretches over seven different states. From New York State, mountains to North Dakota, and through the hardwood forest areas of Pennsylvania and along the shores of the Great Lakes, to the forests and lakes, and streams of Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota.
These trails through the different states aloud hikers to do the whole trail or just segments of the trail. The trails are designed for use by hikers and people on horseback, and in some areas mountain bikes. In the winter the trails are used for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and a few dog sleds. This trail is accommodating to anyone's hiking skills.

Camping is encouraged along the trails and by doing so one could conceivably hike the whole distance. The North Country Trail includes both public and private land and has over 180 miles in Pennsylvania that runs through the Allegheny National Forest. It begins at the New York State line and Willow Bay, runs south along the Allegheny Reservoir and through the Red Bridge area down to Cooks Forest.

The North Country Trail is marked throughout with symbols on roads and along the trails by white paint blazes and metal signs. There are lots of maps and literature available at information centers and at the forestry department offices and camp grounds. Rangers recommend that hikers have good shoes and carry a day-pack including rain gear and food. Also it is suggested that all hikers should use the buddy system and never hike alone.

In 1968, Congress passed legislation creating the National Scenic Trails designation. A study was done later by the Department of Interior in 1975 that recommended Congress enact legislation authorizing the North Country Trail as part of the National Trails System and in 1980, it was designated as such. This trail offers peace and solitude, and the opportunity to get away from the stress of everyday life and spend time enjoying nature at its best.

 

This is another section of the trail where it passes through the Cooks Forest area in Pennsylvania.