The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest trail in the National Trails System, stretching more than 4,600 miles across seven states from North Dakota to New York. In Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, approximately 138 miles of the trail pass through some of the region’s most varied landscapes, with St. Ignace serving as one of its most important gateways.

Designated as a North Country Trail Town, St. Ignace is a natural starting point for exploring this section of the trail. The route enters the Upper Peninsula immediately after crossing the Mackinac Bridge and begins at the St. Ignace Welcome Center. From there, the trail moves through Straits State Park and into downtown, where the Huron Boardwalk follows the Lake Huron shoreline before continuing north and west into the Hiawatha National Forest.

Beyond town, hikers travel through quiet pine forests, open wetlands, and along lakes and streams. The trail passes ancient sand dunes and sections of the Niagara Escarpment, with routes eventually leading toward the Lake Superior shoreline. More than eighty miles of trail extend through the Hiawatha National Forest alone, offering a strong sense of remoteness while remaining accessible.

The North Country Trail in the Eastern Upper Peninsula is generally rated easy to moderate, with frequent access points from parking areas and Forest Service roads. This makes St. Ignace an ideal base for everything from short day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. Each season brings a different experience, from spring wetlands and summer shoreline views to fall color and winter quiet.