The North Country Trail stretches across the rolling terrain of Michigan’s lower peninsula, and much of the trail is open to bikes. The North Country Traverse route connects the best of those segments, linking singletrack with gorgeous forest roads and byways. It’s a fantastic 4-6 day adventure, offering remote trails, lush river corridors, old growth forest, and everything great about Northern Michigan.

The North Country Trail (NCT), an often overlooked National Scenic Trail, is a long-distance trekking route through the Mitten State. The segments of the trail that allow bikes total an astounding 115 miles of singletrack along this route. While traversing the NCT, you’ll pass through a variety of Northern Michigan landscapes. These include impressive hardwood stands, pine flats, old growth forest, pastoral landscapes, backcountry lakes, lush river corridors, and more.

The full route can be completed comfortably in four to six days with ample time to enjoy the surroundings. Due to the trail’s gradual grade, this route is accessible to bikers of most abilities, even those who are new to handling a loaded bike. Riders will enjoy the intimate singletrack and welcoming country roads of the north woods. A day-by-day account of this northbound adventure is posted in the Trip Notes below.

Route Difficulty Difficulty (5/10): The route connects some fabulous, accessible sections of singletrack. While pieces of the route could be completed by beginner bikepackers, the route as a whole presents some challenges. Remote singletrack, varying conditions, and limited water and resupply options provide the challenge necessary for adventure. Technical (5/10): Although this route lacks notable elevation gain and has almost nothing in the way of rocks, its nuances make things interesting. Dense roots dominate several sections of trail and require careful riding, especially when wet. Other challenges include very tight trees as well as wooden bridges that turn quite slippery when damp. The dirt roads are usually in great shape. Physical (6/10): Small stresses along this route can add up. Soft soils and sand can slow progress. Constant maneuvering efforts on the trail can fatigue riders over the course of a long day. Weather can deteriorate quickly and should be prepared for. Mosquitoes may be bothersome in warmer months, especially in low-lying areas. Logistics (5/10): The NCT is heavily managed along this route, and thus, is well marked. The blue blazes will guide you! In areas, a labyrinth of forest roads or trails will cross and can test your navigation skills. Know your route map and how to use your GPS. For a region with so much water, there are sections that are high and dry. I suggest making note of where water is marked on the map and carrying enough to make it to the next source. Resupply options are only occasionally available, so plan accordingly.

Route Development: I grew up a few miles from the NCT headquarters and explored the trail often. When I began bikepacking, I quickly started dreaming of connecting the best segments of trail. I know the region well, but specifically scouted the bikepacking route in fall 2018 and summer 2019 before refining the route to its current form. The NCT is maintained by the North Country Trail Association, US Forest Service, and other local volunteers.