The North Country Trail is a premier hiking and backpacking trail. All segments of the trail are open for travel by foot for walking, hiking and backpacking. Other non-motorized activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted in most locations. In Wisconsin, the North Country Trail clips the northwest corner of the state for 220 miles, passing through Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron counties. The trail is built and maintained by volunteers of the non-profit North Country Trail Association (NCTA) working in partnership with land management agencies and the National Park Service.

Along the way, NCT hikers can experience the MacQuarrie Wetlands, Pattison State Park, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the Douglas County Wildlife Area, the Village of Solon Springs, the Brule-St. Croix Portage Trail, the Brule River State Forest, the Chequamegon National Forest, the Village of Mellen, Copper Falls State Park, and Saxon Harbor.