High Country Pathway
~9 days · 64.1 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the High Country Pathway is known for
High Country Pathway is a 4-6-day backpacking route in Michigan (Pigeon River Country).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,648 ft to 3,983 ft over 64.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 15.6 mi · 24%
- Downhill 17.7 mi · 28%
- Flat 30.8 mi · 48%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the High Country Pathway?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the High Country Pathway scores 15/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the High Country Pathway take?
Most backpackers hike the High Country Pathway in about 9 days (8 nights out) over its 64.1 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the High Country Pathway?
The High Country Pathway climbs roughly 3,196 ft total — about 50 ft per mile, topping out near 1,214 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.