Looking to spend a day surrounded by forests, rivers, and quiet places? The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in the United States, stretching more than 4,800 miles through eight states from New York to North Dakota. In Michigan, the trail crosses the Upper and Lower peninsulas, with some of its most remote and beautiful sections found in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Near St. Ignace, hikers can explore portions of the trail through the Hiawatha National Forest, with routes ranging from shorter day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures.
Explore the Trail Map
Before following this backpacking journey, take a look at where the North Country Trail passes through the St. Ignace area. The interactive map below can help you explore nearby trail access points and see how this section connects with the rest of the National Scenic Trail.
Welcome to Trail Town
St. Ignace is an official Pure Michigan Trail Town, which means this is the perfect launch point for exploring one of the nation’s longest scenic trails.
Stay Close to the Trail
Before you hit the trail, settle into St. Ignace. A good night’s sleep makes all the difference before a day of hiking, whether you’re heading out for a few miles or a multi-day adventure. Choose from waterfront hotels, cozy B&Bs, campgrounds, and classic motels, all within easy reach of North Country Trail access.
Hiking the North Country Trail in St. Ignace
Earlier this season, we met a group of backpackers preparing to hike this section of the North Country Trail from the Little Bear East Arena & Community Center trail access. Before they set out, we asked if they would be willing to share a few photos and reflections from their journey. They graciously agreed, giving us a firsthand look at what makes the St. Ignace section of the North Country Trail so memorable.
Wild Views Ahead
One observation stood out immediately:
“We were surprised at the amount of variety that the trail offered,” a hiker shared. “After we got off the two-track, it felt like every three-quarters of a mile we were in a new biome.”
That sense of anticipation is part of what keeps hikers returning to our local section of the multi-state trail: a landscape that shifts while moving between dense forest to open wetlands, from quiet river corridors to elevated viewpoints with sweeping Upper Peninsula views.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
Backpacking in Michigan is often remembered through a collection of moments rather than a single destination. For this group, one of those special moments came at a particularly scenic overlook that was marked by a memorial bench: “It has a beautiful little vista,” one hiker recalled.
The overlook was an opportunity to rest, take in the view, and to simply appreciate the quiet that can be found in the Hiawatha National Forest. Farther along, the Pointe Aux Chenes River offered the hikers another great stop, and a chance to experience one of the many waterways that shape this region.
Every trail has a highlight, and for these hikers, that place was the campground along Lake Brevort. “It was the peak of the trip,” they indicated. “There are beautiful campsites along the lake.”
Lake Brevort remains one of the most popular destinations along this section of trail. The combination of water, wilderness, and well-placed campsites makes it easy to understand why: the lake offers a rewarding (and gorgeous) destination for hikers exploring the area, whether your group is stopping for a quick break, or spending the night.
Adventure Around Every Bend
Backpacking rarely unfolds exactly as planned, and that’s certainly part of the appeal. Our hikers encountered a little bit of everything during their trek, including changing trail conditions and passing storms. Changing weather, muddy sections, unexpected obstacles, and route decisions all became part of the adventure rather than distractions from it. Each mile brought something new to discover.
Why Hike the North Country Trail?
By the end of their journey, our hikers had experienced scenic overlooks, winding rivers, forested ridges, lakeshore views, and stretches of quiet wilderness that can only be reached on foot.
Their experience reflects what makes the North Country Trail such a unique part of the St. Ignace area. It offers a chance to slow down, disconnect from daily routines, and experience the eastern Upper Peninsula from a different perspective.
What’s especially nice is that you can get on the trail for a short afternoon hike or plan an epic multi-day backpacking adventure. Either way, the North Country Trail offers countless opportunities to experience the eastern Upper Peninsula your own way.
Before You Hit the Trail
Get geared up before your adventure at downtown’s Adventure Up North. You’ll discover hiking apparel, footwear, outdoor gear, and all sorts of last-minute essentials. You also can hit up Family Fare Supermarket in St. Ignace to stock up on water, trail snacks, and supplies before heading out.
Then, fuel the adventure even further with a stop at Manley’s Fish Market downtown, where you’ll find local favorites like smoked fish, whitefish dip, and trail-worthy snacks. Fun fact: smoked fish makes a delicious, protein-packed treat to enjoy along the North Country Trail.
Get ready to hike:
Tips for Your Own Adventure
Based on recommendations from backpackers who recently completed this section of the North Country Trail:
Plan your water stops. Research reliable water sources before your trip, carry a water filter or purifier, and learn how to safely treat backcountry water. The REI Backpacking Water Guide is a great place to start.
Before heading into the backcountry, review the CDC’s recommendations for safely treating drinking water.
Carry a map, GPS device, or trail app.
Prepare for changing weather conditions.
Allow extra time for scenic stops and campsite set-up.
Pack layers and rain gear.
Wear footwear suitable for wet or muddy sections.
Enjoy all the overlooks, rivers, and lakes along the route.
Practice Leave No Trace principles and help preserve the trail for future hikers.
Parking: Trail access is available from Little Bear East Sports Park. If you’re planning a multi-day hike, check current parking options with the City of St. Ignace before leaving your vehicle overnight.