The Greenstone Ridge Trail connects the southwest end of Isle Royale to the northeast end. The trail includes forests, rocky ridges, swamps, inland lakes, wildlife, and wilderness. All campgrounds are backcountry campgrounds.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/camping.htm">Backpack Isle Royale National Park</a> and trek the Greenstone Ridge Trail that connects the southwest end to the northeast end of the island. The island’s longest trail includes forested wilderness, rocky exposed ridges, inland lakes, swamps, wildlife, and Lake Superior views. Trailhead Locations •  Windigo is accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private boat.  •  Hidden Lake is accessible by private boat or water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge.  Miles: about 41.7 Accessibility: This backcountry trail is about 18 inches wide and includes rocks and roots. Trail includes wooden plank bridges and steep inclines.  No potable water is available along the trail. Bring everything you need to backpack multiple days across the island, including enough food, water filter, map, and compass. Campgrounds Along Trail •  Washington Creek Campground •  Island Mine Campground •  South Lake Desor Campground •  Hatchet Lake Campground •  West Chickenbone Campground •  East Chickenbone Campground •  Daisy Farm Campground •  Three Mile Campground •  Rock Harbor Campground

Wooden trail Marker for Greenstone Ridge Trail

Greenstone Ridge Trail Marker

Backpack the entire island of Isle Royale National Park by hiking the Greenstone Ridge Trail starting at the Hidden Lake.

Greenstone Ridge Trailhead: Hidden Lake

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/camping.htm">Backpack Isle Royale National Park</a> and trek the Greenstone Ridge Trail that connects the southwest end to the northeast end of the island. The island’s longest trail includes forested wilderness, rocky exposed ridges, inland lakes, swamps, wildlife, and Lake Superior views. Trailhead Locations •  Windigo is accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private boat.  •  Hidden Lake is accessible by private boat or water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge.  Miles: about 41.7 Accessibility: This backcountry trail is about 18 inches wide and includes rocks and roots. Trail includes wooden plank bridges and steep inclines.  No potable water is available along the trail. Bring everything you need to backpack multiple days across the island, including enough food, water filter, map, and compass. Campgrounds Along Trail •  Washington Creek Campground •  Island Mine Campground •  South Lake Desor Campground •  Hatchet Lake Campground •  West Chickenbone Campground •  East Chickenbone Campground •  Daisy Farm Campground •  Three Mile Campground •  Rock Harbor Campground

Backpack the entire island of Isle Royale National Park by hiking the Greenstone Ridge Trail starting at Windigo.

Greenstone Ridge Trailhead: Windigo

Group Camping is available at some, but not all, campgrounds at Isle Royale. The group campsites offer a larger area to fit more tent pads.

<h4>Things to Know about Group Camping</h4> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/group-camping-7-or-more-people.htm">Advance group camping reservations and permits</a> are required for groups of seven or more people, including leaders.</li> <li>If your party exceeds ten, you must split into two or more groups (of ten or less), each independent and traveling on completely separate itineraries. For groups of ten or more people breaking up into <a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/camping.htm">small parties</a> (1-6 people), a permit must still be obtained in advance.</li> <li>Groups of seven or more people may only camp in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/group-campground-table.htm">reserved group campsites.</a></li> <li>Organizations may not have more than 20 people camping on the island at any one time and are limited to 80 people per year.</li> </ul> <h3>Group Camping Reservation Requests</h3> Isle Royale accepts group camping reservation requests beginning January 2 for the 2024 season. The park strives to process all requests quickly. However, due to limited winter staffing, we are not able to process most requests until March, when staffing increases. All requests are processed in the order we receive them. For more information, head over to our in-depth <a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/group-camping-7-or-more-people.htm">group camping </a>page.

Scattered camping gear hangs to dry on a porch after a backpacking trip.

Post Backpacking Trip

Camping with a group of 7 people or more? Make sure to know everything about group camping before your trip.

Group Camping Introduction

The Minong Ridge Trail is the most challenging trail on Isle Royale. The trail is composed of rocky ridges, elevation change, beaver dams, interior lakes, Lake Superior and Canadian shoreline views.

Thinking about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/camping.htm">backpacking </a>the Minong Ridge Trail at Isle Royale National Park? This challening trail stretches along the northern portion of the island and offers scenic views of Lake Superior and the Canadian shoreline. This primitive trail is strenuous due to its change in elevation, rocky ridges, and beaver dam crossings. Hikers need to utitlize wayfinding and orienteering skills on this trail.  Miles: about 28 miles.  Trailhead Locations <ul> <li>Windigo is accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private boat.</li> <li>McCargoe is accessible by trail, Voyageur II passenger ferry, or private boat.</li> </ul> Accessibility: This backcountry trail is about 18 inches wide and includes rocks and roots. Trail includes wooden plank bridges, steep inclines, and trail sections that involve beaver dam crossings. Trekking poles are useful for this hike. No potable water is available along this trail. Bring everything you need to backpack multiple days including enough food, water filter, map, and compass.  Campgrounds Along Trail •  McCargoe Cove Campground •  Todd Harbor Campground •  Little Todd Campground •  North Lake Desor Campground •  Huginnin Cove Campground •  Washington Creek Campground

Wooden trail marker for the Minong Ride Trail, surrounded by rocks and forest.

Minong Ridge Trail Marker

Embark on a challenging adventure and backpack the Minong Ridge Trail on Isle Royale starting at McCargoe Cove.

Location

Minong Ridge Trailhead: McCargoe Cove

Thinking about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/camping.htm">backpacking </a>the Minong Ridge Trail at Isle Royale National Park? This challening trail stretches along the northern portion of the island and offers scenic views of Lake Superior and the Canadian shoreline. This primitive trail is strenuous due to its change in elevation, rocky ridges, and beaver dam crossings. Hikers need to utitlize wayfinding and orienteering skills on this trail.  Miles: about 28 miles.  Trailhead Locations <ul> <li>Windigo is accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private boat.</li> <li>McCargoe is accessible by trail, Voyageur II passenger ferry, or private boat.</li> </ul> Accessibility: This backcountry trail is about 18 inches wide and includes rocks and roots. Trail includes wooden plank bridges, steep inclines, and trail sections that involve beaver dam crossings. Trekking poles are useful for this hike. No potable water is available along this trail. Bring everything you need to backpack multiple days including enough food, water filter, map, and compass.  Campgrounds Along Trail •  McCargoe Cove Campground •  Todd Harbor Campground •  Little Todd Campground •  North Lake Desor Campground •  Huginnin Cove Campground •  Washington Creek Campground

Embark on a challenging adventure and backpack the Minong Ridge Trail on Isle Royale starting at Windigo.

Minong Ridge Trailhead: Windigo

Mount Franklin is located along the Greenstone Ridge Trail on the east end of Isle Royale National Park. This scenic hike destination offers views of the Canadian shoreline to the north. Mount Franklin is a popular day hike destination from the Rock Harbor Area.

Mount Franklin is a scenic overlook along the Greenstone Ridge Trail on the east end of Isle Royale National Park. This rocky viewpoint honors Benjamin Franklin. Mount Franklin is accessible from Rock Harbor via the Rock Harbor or Tobin Harbor Trails. It is a popular and challenging 10 mile round trip day hike from Rock Harbor. Hike to Mount Franklin and view the island’s interior and north shore as well as the distant Canadian mainland.  Found Nearby <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/tripideas/backpack-the-greenstone-ridge-trail.htm">Greenstone Ridge Trail</a></li> <li>Lane Cove & Campground (2.7 miles away)</li> <li>Three Mile Campground (2.3 miles away)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/ojibway-tower.htm">Ojibway Tower</a> (2.5 miles away)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/rock-harbor.htm">Rock Harbor</a> Area (4.5 miles away)</li> </ul>

From the top of Mt. Franklin Lake Superior and the Canadian shoreline can be seen.

Mount Franklin

Mount Franklin is a a scenic hike destination for day hikers and backpackers on Isle Royale National Park.

Rainbow Cove is located on Lake Superior, on the Southwest shore of Isle Royale National Park. The cove includes a rocky beach and scenic views of Lake Superior. The historic Rock of Ages Lighthouse and Minnesota shoreline can be seen in the distance on a clear day. Visitors may catch beautiful sunsets.

Rainbow Cove is located on the west end of Isle Royale National Park. Access is available via the 0.8 of a mile access trail from the Feldtmann Lake Campground, kayak/canoe, or private vessel. The entire cove is covered in rocks. On a clear day, the Rock of Ages Lighthouse and Minnesota shoreline can be viewed from the beach. This remote beach is a picturesque sunset destination.  Found Nearby <ul> <li>Feldtmann Lake Campground (0.8 miles away)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/feldtmann-tower.htm">Feldtmann Tower</a> (5.6 miles away)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/windigo.htm">Windigo </a>Area (8.5 miles away)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/rock-of-ages-lighthouse.htm">Rock of Ages Lighthouse </a></li> </ul>

Lake Superior shoreline meets a rocky beach with trees in the distance.

Rainbow Cove

A scenic spot located on Isle Royale’s southwestern shore, Rainbow Cove is a rocky beach with excellent opportunities to view sunsets, the historic Rock of Ages Lighthouse, and the Minnesota shoreline

A building including bathrooms, showers, and laundry services is located in Rock Harbor on the east end of Isle Royale National Park. It is found directly north of the Rock Harbor Visitor Center and Rock Harbor Camp Store.

The Rock Harbor Comfort Station is found on the east end of Isle Royale National Park. Flush toilets and running water are open to the public seasonally. Shower and laundry services are available for an extra fee. Shower and laundry tokens can be purchased through the Rock Harbor Camp Store.  <h4>Found Nearby</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/rock-harbor.htm">Rock Harbor</a> Visitor Center </li> <li> Rock Harbor Camp Store </li> <li> Rock Harbor Campground </li> <li> Rock Harbor Lodge </li> <li> Rock Harbor Marina </li> <li> Rock Harbor Trail </li> <li> Tobin Harbor Trail </li> </ul>

A paved path leads to a bathroom building surrounded by trees.

Rock Harbor Comfort Station

Bathroom services are found at the Rock Harbor Comfort Station on the east end of Isle Royale National Park.

Explore a rugged, isolated island far from our connected communities. Isle Royale offers adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. Cross Lake Superior and make a commitment: Become a part of this island, and let it become a part of you. Find peace and refuge in island wilderness – because Isle Royale, in turn, finds refuge in us. Help Isle Royale stay wild.