Two proposed adjustments to the route of the North Country Trail (NCT) would: 1. utilize more than 400 miles of existing trails in Minnesota (including the Superior Hiking Trail, the Border Route Trail,  and the Kekekabic Trail), and 2. extend the trail about 40 miles east of its present terminus to link to the Appalachian Trail in Vermont.

The National Park Service completed a Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment and issued a finding of “No Significant Impact” in both cases. These changes would result in no cost to taxpayers and apparently have widespread public support.  Changes to federally mandated National Scenic Trails require congressional approval.

For more information visit this link and the site of the North Country Trail Association.   Both organizations request that folks who support these changes ask their federal legislators to support Senate Bill 403 and House Bill 799.  You can visit the websites of your Representatives http://www.house.gov and Senators http://www.senate.gov and use the convenient message system to send your message.  The Superior Hiking Trail Association supports National Scenic Trail designation for the Superior Hiking Trail.

–Sam Demas, Editor, h2h