Currently under construction, this important National Scenic Trail will eventually run about 3,200 miles from New York to North Dakota. When completed the Ohio section will extend some 700 miles, entering Ohio from western Pennsylvania and exiting into southern Michigan.
For much of its route here the North Country Trail follows the Buckeye Trail, circling down through the southern part of the state. It traverses two tracts of Wayne National Forest and a number of state parks, and at times the trail parallels two National Scenic Rivers. Portions are on private lands.
For stretches the trail winds through wild forested areas, with occasional rough spots. It also leads past semideveloped areas, following old roads, railroad beds, and canal towpaths. Difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Parts of the trail are open to horseback riding and cycling.
Camping Regulations: Camping is generally restricted to designated sites. No permits are necessary. Within Wayne National Forest one may camp almost anywhere except near public use areas, and campfires are permitted although discouraged. Along some sections of the trail legal camping is not currently available.
For Further Information: North Country Trail Association, P.O. Box 311, White Cloud, MI 49349.
OHIO CAMPING RESOURCES
ORGANIZATIONS WHICH OFFER WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIPS
American Youth Hostels, Columbus Council, P.O. Box 14384, Columbus, OH 43214; (614)447-1006. This AYH council sponsors a number of backpacking trips each year, and also offers a Beginning Backpack Class.
USEFUL GUIDEBOOKS
Backpack Loops and Long Day Trail Hikes in Southern Ohio Ruchhoft, Robert H. Cincinnati, OH: The Pucelle Press, 1984.
Fifty Hikes in OhioRamey, Ralph. Woodstock, VT: Backcountry Publications, 1990.
INFORMATION ABOUT CAMPGROUNDS IN STATE PARKS AND FORESTS
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, Fountain Square, Building C-l, Columbus, OH 43224; (614)265-7000.
STATE HIGHWAY MAP AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
Ohio Office of Travel and Tourism, 30 East Broad Street, 25th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (800)BUCKEYE.
