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North Country Trail
The NCT crosses two administrative units (Athens and Marietta) of the Wayne National Forest. The segment on the Athens Unit is approximately 20 miles in length. The segment on the Marietta Unit is approximately 41 miles. The trail section is laid out over terrain which is surprisingly rugged and includes several special features, such as a natural bridge, a large rock shelter, covered bridges, and an historic rock house.
The NCT is co-located with the Ohio Buckeye Trail, which provides the link between the NCT trails on the Athens and Marietta Unit. In some places, the trail follows roads. This National Scenic Trail, once completed will extend 3,200 miles, through seven states, from New York to North Dakota. The trail will eventually link the Appalachian Trail, the Lewis and Clark Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: |
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| Usage: | Light-Medium |
| Restrictions: | Mountain Bikes are not allowed on the Athens section of the North Country Trail. |
| Closest Towns: | Various. |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | Athens Ranger District, 13700 US Hwy 33, Nelsonville, OH 45764; 740-753-0101 |
General Information
Parking:Parking is available at any of the campgrounds or trailheads.
Directions:
The North Country Trail on the Marietta Unit can be accessed from any of the campgrounds below. Directions to the campgrounds are provided on those pages. Trailhead or Feature -- Hune Bridge -- 39 deg 30' 36" / 81 deg 15' 02" Haught Run -- 39 deg 31' 55" / 81 deg 13' 31" Ring Mill -- 39 deg 36' 21" / 81 deg 07' 19" Natural Bridge/Great Cave -- 39 deg 31' 29" / 81 deg 10' 51" This type of information is not available for the section on the Athens unit. On the Athens unit - the trail can be accessed from the Burr Oak Campground or from the Stone Church Horse Trail as well as other sites.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:Forty one miles of trails on the Marietta unit of the North Country trail is open to mountain bikes open to mountain bikes from early spring to winter. Visit our Recreation page to see seasonal open and close dates for the current year.
The North Country Trail section on the Athens unit is NOT open to mountain biking.
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Dispersed Camping
Recreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping: Camping is allowed along the trail for this long backpack trail.| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:This trail is in two sections, on the Athens Unit we have approximately 20 miles of trail, much of it along roads. On the Marietta Unit, we have approximately 41 trail miles, but many loops and connectors lend this trail to being equally amenable to a series of nice day hikes.
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:This trail is in two sections, on the Athens District we have approximately 20 miles of trail, much of it along roads. On the Marietta unit, the trail is approximately 41 miles long and many loops and connectors are also available. The two sections are linked by the Buckeye Trail.
| Fire Information | You can build a campfire as long as you have a 10 foot clearance around it and put a ring around it with rocks. Fires must be extinguished before leaving camp. No bon fires are allowed. No standing or green trees may be cut. |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife: As you hike this trail you're likely to see upland wildlife. Walk quietly and have your binoculars ready.| Species | White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, forest songbirds and numerous reptiles and amphibians are likely to be seen. |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants: This trail which winds through some of the most impressive scenery in Ohio also traverses some of the most interesting plant species. Fall color is spectacular along this trail and in spring as the Forest comes alive with redbud and dogwood it shimmers in the sunlight. The forest floor also is vibrant with wildflowers and hikes are regularly given to those who enjoy getting out and learning more about wildflowers and native plants.| Species | Various upland and bottomland species. |
| Special Feature | Spring wildflower hikes are offered each year. |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery: The Marietta section of the North County Trail traverses some of the most scenic portions of the Forest. It goes by the Irish Run Natural Bridge which is an amazing rock formation, and by a cave and several other geologic formations of particular interest. The topography of this area is more rugged than most of the Forest which allows for more panoramic views.| Special Feature | Irish Run Natural Bridge, Archers Fork, |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
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