ing a small fire. All fires should be put completely out by thor- oughly soaking the embers with water and then mixing them The Association is The North Country Trail in the with mineral soil. In dry conditions we suggest that you use a membership-driven, volunteer-based organization. The camp stoves rather than wood fires. In extremely dry condi- NCTA is a “friends” organization that unites the efforts of our Chequamegon-Nicolet tions open fires may be prohibited. To check on fire conditions local volunteer chapters and partner organizations with the contact the US Forest Service in that district. to build, maintain, protect and promote the North Country National Scenic Trail. The trail is a 4,600 National Forest mile footpath through the northern tier of the United States, Parking - There is no charge for The North Country National Scenic Trail is traversing seven states. Though still under construction, more most parking areas shown on primarily a hiking trail. Horse use on the trail and more miles of trail are completed every year, the trail is the map, however, several of the is discouraged. Soils on the east end of the starting to draw national attention, alongside the likes of the more developed parking areas trail tend to be fairly wet and are not particu- Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. are fee areas. The following larly suitable for riding. areas require either a daily fee Mountain bikes are also discouraged and may not be ridden Our work uses federal or an annual sticker: Penokee where the trail crosses wilderness areas. Cross country skiing is dollars, membership Mountain Ski Trailhead (winter possible on the trail but is best in late winter when a crust has dues and other rev- only), Lake Owen Picnic Ground, formed on the snow. Dog sled use is also allowed except where enues and combines Drummond Ski Trailhead. the trail follows the Penokee Mountain ski trail. Motorized them with the tremen- use on the trail is prohibited under existing Forest Off-Road dous volunteer effort, Vehicle Policy. Contact - For more information to leverage the greatest on the rules and regulations with amount of good for the Wilderness - The North Country National Scenic Trail passes in the National Forest please trail. through the Rainbow Lake and Porcupine Lake Wildernesses. contact the Forest Serivce at: Only foot travel is allowed Washburn Ranger District: Each year nearly 1000 within wilderness—no motorized 715-373-2667 individuals do volun- or mechanical transport, such as Great Divide Ranger District: teer work on the North Country Trail. Your membership dol- the use of bicycles, is allowed. 715-634-4821 (Hayward), 715-264-2511 (Glidden) lars not only directly support these volunteers by purchasing tools and other resources, but act as a vote of confidence in the Camping - Camping is permit- North Country National Scenic Trail. ted along the trail. However, Copper Falls State Park campsites must be kept at least 100 feet away from the trail or Waterfalls, 100+ foot canyon We hope water’s edge in order to protect walls, and unique geological natural features. There are two features dominate the land- you will join the 2,400 other members Adirondack shelters along the scape in the gorge of the Bad trail. One is located just off the River on this certified section who support the North Country Trail and trail by the Marengo River and of NCT in Copper Falls State the second is located just west of Park. A 65 foot CCC construct- become a member today. FR 604. ed observation tower with 250 steps offers views of the Peno- To become a member visit us on-line at: kee Range and Chequamegon Water - Water is available from pumps at Lake Owen Picnic Bay. Ground, Two Lakes, Lake Three, and Beaver Lake Camp- northcountrytrail.org grounds. Water in streams and lakes along the trail is only safe to drink if it is boiled or treated. or call us toll-free 1(866)-445-3628

Garbage and Waste - Pack out what you pack in. Burying gar- bage is not satisfactory because cans will usually be exposed in time through animal or frost action. Human wastes must be City of Mellen Hike buried in a hole located at least 100 feet from any open water, the trail, or any campsite. Bears - Bears frequent the area along the North Country Trail. & Bike Trail Please be careful with food storage when you camp. It is best Just west of the park, a segment of to suspend food supplies in a bag or pack between two trees at trail extends into the City of Mellen least 10 feet off the ground. taking you along another part of the on the City of Mellen Hike Fire - Fires are allowed on National Forest land but please be and Bike Trail (a certified section of careful. Most locations along the trail have 1 to 4 inches of duff NCT). Mellen is one of only two trail on top of mineral soil. The duff will burn if you build a fire on towns in , where most it. You must remove the duff to mineral soil before construct- services needed by hikers can be found. northcountrytrail.org