North Country Trail
Corridor map
NCT route, color-coded major UP trails, lodging, resupply towns, mile markers, and shuttle pickup points. Tap a marker for weather, air quality (US AQI), UV, and bug pressure.
Air quality along the UP NCT
Air quality & health guidance
Highest US AQI among North Country Trail / UP corridor markers (conservative for planning). Guidance follows EPA/AirNow categories for sensitive groups — informational only, not medical advice.
Elevated for sensitive groups
Everyone should limit outdoor exertion. Sensitive groups (young children, pregnant people, older adults (65+), and anyone with heart or lung disease) should stay indoors when possible and avoid outdoor activity.
Wildfire smoke from Canada
Seasonal haze can reach the North Country Trail across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Canadian wildfires can send fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and smoke across the UP NCT corridor — from western trailheads near Ironwood through Tahquamenon Falls to the eastern approaches toward St. Ignace — even when the local forecast looks sunny. Hazy skies and elevated air quality index (AQI) readings are common signs.
Before long hikes or a shuttle day with young children, pregnant travelers, or older adults, check the air quality guidance on this page and consider shorter outdoor time when AQI is elevated. Tap corridor map markers for local AQI at trailheads and access points.
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Conditions are informational only. Weather, UV index (WMO), US AQI, and PM2.5 are from Open-Meteo. Air quality health language follows EPA/AirNow categories for sensitive groups (including young children, pregnant people, and older adults) and is not medical advice — see AirNow AQI basics and EPA wildfire smoke FAQs. Bug pressure is estimated from weather and season — not a medical or DNR forecast; bring repellent in peak months. Verify with Michigan DNR, park staff, and AirNow before travel, especially during smoke events. Trail outage lists may not be complete.