Trail mix: Seeking ways to connect 2 iconic routes

FILE - This July 27, 2003, file photo, shows a suspension bridge over the Manistee River southeast of Mesick, Mich., where the North Country Scenic Trail follows the river for miles. The North Country National Scenic Trail runs 4,600 miles from North Dakota to New York’s eastern border. From there, it’s about 40 miles across Vermont fields and mountains to the Appalachian Trail. Closing the 40-mile gap is a priority for the Michigan-based North Country Trail Association, the group responsible for the trail.

WEYBRIDGE, Vt. — One of the longest hiking trails in the United States stops 40 miles short of its most famous cousin, but a group is trying to bridge that gap.

The North Country National Scenic Trail runs 4,600 miles from North Dakota to New York's eastern border. From there, it's about 40 miles across Vermont fields and mountains to the Appalachian Trail. That's the famous 2,170-mile hiking trail that runs from Georgia to Maine.

Closing the 40-mile gap is a priority for the Michigan-based North Country Trail Association, the group responsible for the trail. The Green Mountain Club and other Vermont organizations are working find a route to connect the trails that will need to be approved by Congress. It could be years before the two are linked.

Next Up In U.S. and world

Fed raises interest rates by 0.5%, the highest rise since 2000

Here are the 14 inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Why was President Biden talking about Utah’s 2002 Winter Games at the White House?

CDC reinstates mask recommendation for planes, trains

While U.S. hits new job quitting record, this man set his own record — 84 years at the same company

The U.S. housing market is historically overvalued. Moody’s says these cities may see prices drop up to 10%