75-Year-Old Michigan Woman Hiked Nearly 5000 Miles Not Once, But Twice

When most people go hiking it is usually around some local trails that only take a few hours of time. One 75-year-old woman hiked nearly 5000 miles across 8 states.

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Michigan's Longest Hiking Trail

If you are looking to hike a long distance while staying in Michigan, the longest trail is the Iron Belle Trai. This massive trail begins at Detroit's Belle Isle and extends more than 2,000 miles to the far western tip of the Upper Peninsula.

The Iron Belle Trail is Michigan's premiere trail for hiking and biking. This trail passes through 48 counties using existing trails and brand-new connectors. There are two routes, one for bicycles and one for hikers.

Michigan's Iron Belle Trail is 71% completed through a partnership with the United States National Park Service has partnered with the state of Michigan and the North Country Trail Association along with communities and schools to help connect all these amazing trails in our state. You can learn more about the Iron Belle Trail here.

Before there was an Iron Belle Trail, there was the North Country Trail.

75-Year-Old Michigan Woman Is First Woman to Complete the North Country Trail Twice

He name is Joan Young and she loves the outdoors. In 2010, Young was the first female senior citizen to hike the North Country trail that stretches from Vermont, passes through a total of 8 states including Michigan, and then eventually arrives in North Dakota some 4,800 miles later.

Young enjoyed her experience of hiking the North Country Trail so much, she began the journey again in December of 2021. According to WZZM, after a few health setbacks and snow conditions in the Upper Peninsula, Young was able to finish her second journey through the North Country Trail in 18 months and 18 days making her the oldest woman to do so.