We are blessed to have two National Scenic Trails in our state: the Ice Age Trail and the North Country Trail. The Fox Valley Group has a long history with the Ice Age Trail (IAT) from building new sections, maintaining old ones, leading hikes and supporting events like the IAT Hike-a-Thon. But I can't think of an event or outing that we as a group have held on the North Country Trail (NCT). Perhaps that's due to the proximity of the trail to our group's usual stomping grounds. 200 of the 4,600 miles of the NCT pass through Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron Counties in northwestern Wisconsin. The closest Wisconsin section of the NCT is a four hour drive from Appleton. Not exactly convenient but that doesn't mean the trail should be ignored.
In 2016 in conjunction with the National Park Service Centennial, the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) launched a Hike 100 Challenge. The goal? Hike 100 miles on any part of the NCT in the year 2016. You could hike the same two miles over and over again or hike a new section each time. It didn't matter how or where you got your miles, just that you got them done by December 31st. My husband and I took on the challenge. In April we backpacked the entire length of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for a total of 42 miles. Then in August we picked up 3 more miles when we volunteered with the Heritage Chapter of the NCTA building new trail near Copper Falls State Park. In October we backpacked in Porcupine Mountains State Park for another 22 miles. But then work commitments and gun hunting season got in the way so we fell 33 miles short of the goal. I was a little bummed we weren't able to finish the challenge (a special patch was awarded to all finishers) but I was happy that the challenge got us out on the trail a little more than usual. But guess what - there's a challenge this year as well!
The Hike 100 Challenge is back for 2017 but this year there's also a Build It Challenge. The Build It Challenge is meant to not only physically build and maintain the trail but to also build awareness and support of the NCT. To learn more about the challenge or to sign up, visit northcountrytrail.org .
The Fox Valley Group is partnering with the Heritage Chapter of the NCTA for a work weekend June 10-11, 2017. We will be working on building a new section of the NCT four miles north of Copper Falls State Park. No experience is necessary. Learn on the trail. All tools and equipment will be provided as well as breakfast and supper. Volunteers will also have free camping for the weekend at Copper Falls. Come for one day or both. Bonus: This is a great opportunity to check an item off your list for the Built It Challenge.
To sign up for the work weekend or for more information, call Kelly Ramstack at 920-540-9139. Please sign up by June 2nd.
By Kelly Ramstack, Outing Leader