Location: Fallasburg, Michigan
Length: 10.7 miles
Elevation gain: 997 feet
Route: Out & Back
There is something special about running or hiking on secluded trail. With no people, it is easy to lose yourself in thought and reconnect to the natural world. The North Country Trail (NCT) offers that outlet for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
The NCT is 4,600 miles long and cuts through 8 states, including 160 federal, state and local public lands. With seemingly endless miles, it makes the perfect destination for trail runs.
I began in Fallasburg, Michigan next to the historic covered bridge. The trail wasn’t marked well and finding it was a challenge.
Once I discovered it, tucked away in Fallasburg Park, I was immediately greeted by the Flat River.
From there, the blue blazes led me along the river, through parks, and along grassy paths to the least exciting part of the run. Roads. Because the NCT cuts through many communities, there are times when the road becomes part of the trail. Thankfully, this section was a short distance.
Leaving the road, I was once more on the trail and it was beginning to climb. Here I reached the isolation I had hoped to find. No houses. No roads. Just nature.
The trail cut through red pine forests filled with ferns and abundant with wildlife. I was lucky enough to come across an Eastern Box Turtle, one of Michigan’s endangered turtle species. A rare and exciting find.
Miles of forest, sandy trails, and two creek crossings eventually lead me to another portion of the trail that followed a road. I had reached Lowell, Michigan. This was my turn around. I was excited to return back through the forested haven that I had discovered.
Overall this section of NCT provides rolling hills with views of the Flat River, vast forested areas and few to none people.
It provides a sense of seclusion and freedom that comes with submerging yourself in nature. I look forward to returning and exploring the trail further.