North Country Trail segment: Victoria to Norwich

The 12 miles of difficult trail here, part of a 130-mile continuous trail segment, go through the Trap Hills, one of the U.P.'s most remote and rugged areas. This stretch offers numerous spectacular views from bluffs and knobs, along with beautiful stream valleys and small waterfalls.Also it's near several old mine sites. The challenging terrain has lots of ups and downs.
For many photos, detailed trail notes, and maps, look in on to www.northcountrytrail.org/pwf , the web site of the Peter Wolfe Chapter. That's the local NCT chapter responsible for the trail between the Porcupine Mountains State Park and the Baraga Plains. (So far, the trail goes east to the Sturgeon River.)

Doug Welker, webmaster and local contact person, suggests this strategy for a three-day backpacking round trip. Start at Victoria. Hike eight miles and find a scenic campsite; you'll use it for two nights. Then make a day trip to Norwich, leaving your camping gear set up to lighten the load. Hike back, spend the night, then go back to Victoria. A short distance from Old Victoria village, trail volunteers built a comfy screened shelter with deck. So far it hasn't been much used. So you could start and end your trip right there. If it's in use, other campsites are nearby.

Drop-off or pickup service is offered by Don and Linda Kermeen of Superior Shores Resort (906-884-2653).

For people without time or equipment for backpacking, Eric Hansen details 10 short hikes in the Trap Hills (4 miles or less) on his site, eric-hansen.com. Most start near Bergland at the head of Lake Gogebic, from Old Norwich Road.

See directions for Old Victoria.

See the Peter Wolfe Chapter for notes for the less spectacular but interesting trail sections east of Victoria. They traverse varies habitats and pass through the Forest Service's Courtney Lake campground (under "Mass City"). Work sessions are on the Web site, and volunteers are always welcome.

Return to Victoria

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