Did a quick 32mile out and back on the North Country Trail about 3 weeks ago or so. Did a section just east of Itasca State park. Saw a total of 2 other hikers on the trail the whole weekend. Lots of woodticks, but nice campsites. I'll be exploring more of this trail in the future as I am trying to avoid the SHT and it's overcrowded campsites.

Thanks for the info! I'm always looking for new trails--will have to check that out.

Generally, my experience with the SHT has been similar to yours, which is why I prefer the BWCA trails. I did a few sections of the SHT two weekends ago and stayed the night at one of the Split Rock river campsites. I was fully expecting the campsite to be busy, given that it is relatively close to 61 and just outside the State Park. Instead, I had the entire multi-group campsite all to myself (on a Saturday, too)! Go figure.

Cool! After I do some BWCA trails I've thought about doing a few sections of the NCT.

The BWCA trails will keep me busy for a little while though.

I think the section near the Pictured Rocks in MI looks amazing, but probably very popular.

That's great Geotramper. I found after hiking the SHT and staying at several campsites its hit or miss with the business factor.

The busiest campsites I encountered on the SHT was E. Caribou Falls, and Cross River... actually the Andy Creek Campsite was the busiest.. it was complete insanity.

MN_Lindsey,
There is a section in North Dakota that I really want to try called the Sheyenne National Grassland. It is the largest preserved tallgrass prairie in the United States and it would be something completely different from what I am used to hiking. That is a section I am really interested in.

I'm a member ot the NCT Laurentian Lakes Chapter which is just east of Itasa State Park. There are nice campsites along the trail.