Hiking Trails In Isle Royce National Park

Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness area located in the northern part of Lake Superior, Michigan, USA. This park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s unique ecosystem and stunning natural beauty. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best hiking trails in Isle Royale National Park.

One of the most popular hiking trails in the park is the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which is a 40-mile trail that runs from the northeast end of the park to the southwest end. This trail offers hikers breathtaking views of the park’s lakes, forests, and rugged coastline, as well as the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and foxes. The trail is rated as difficult, with steep climbs, rocky terrain, and some narrow ledges that require careful footing. However, the views from the top are well worth the effort, and hikers will have the opportunity to camp at several backcountry campsites along the way.

Another popular hiking trail in the park is the Minong Ridge Trail, which is a 29-mile trail that runs along the park’s rugged interior. This trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore the park’s remote wilderness areas and experience its unique ecosystem, which includes old-growth forests, rocky ridges, and clear lakes. The trail is rated as difficult, with steep climbs and rocky terrain, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Hikers can camp at several backcountry campsites along the way, including the beautiful Todd Harbor campsite, which offers stunning views of Lake Superior.

For hikers who prefer a shorter trail, the Stoll Trail is a 4-mile loop that offers hikers the opportunity to explore the park’s rugged shoreline and stunning forests. This trail offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape, and it is rated as moderate, with some steep climbs and rocky terrain. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bald eagles.

Another popular hiking trail in the park is the Rock Harbor Trail, which is a 3-mile loop that offers hikers the opportunity to explore the park’s scenic harbor area. This trail offers stunning views of the park’s clear lakes and rugged shoreline, as well as the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and loons. The trail is rated as moderate, with some steep climbs and rocky terrain, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

For hikers who want to experience the park’s unique ecosystem from the water, the park offers several canoeing and kayaking routes that allow visitors to explore the park’s lakes and shoreline. One popular route is the Washington Creek Canoe Route, which is a 16-mile route that takes visitors through some of the most scenic areas of the park. The route includes several portages, which allow visitors to explore the park’s rugged interior as well as its stunning lakes and forests.

In addition to these popular hiking and canoeing routes, Isle Royale National Park has many other trails and backcountry routes that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s unique landscape. However, it is important for hikers to prepare carefully before embarking on any hike in the park, as the terrain can be challenging and the weather can be unpredictable.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when hiking in Isle Royale National Park is to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are few sources of water in the park and the climate can be dehydrating. Hikers should also wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and bring a map, compass, and other essential gear.