Hiker safety a main concern in connecting North Country Trail
While state lines are not enough to break up the route of the North Country Trail, the 4,800-mile path that goes through northern Butler County is disrupted frequently by roads, highways and private property.
Tom Moustos, a regional coordinator for the North Country Trail Association, said that along with the regular maintenance staff performs on the trail, the organization is working behind the scenes to procure agreements with property owners to close gaps along the trail and keep hikers from having to walk on roads.
Moustos said the safety of hikers is one reason the association is trying to connect the trail.
“There are still many, many miles to go on roads, and one way to get around that is to go on private lands,” Moustos said. “The easiest thing to do is build the trail, getting to that point is the hardest part.”
The North Country Trail goes through Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks and Jennings Environmental Education Center, but there is a gap between Moraine and McConnells Mill that Moustos hopes to connect within the next few years.
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