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A lovely trail that follows along the shoreline of Rock Harbor and Moskey Basin.


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Map Key

10.7

Miles

17.3

KM

Point to Point

773' 236 m

High

606' 185 m

Low

255' 78 m

Up

264' 81 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Isle Royale is closed from November 1 through April 15.

Description

This scenic trail is a great option for hikers looking for a short day hike or those looking to start a longer backcountry excursion on Isle Royale. Starting from the Rock Harbor Visitor Center, the trail is easy going and follows along the shores of Rock Harbor. You'll pass the Rock Harbor Campground near the start of the trail.

From here, continue along the shoreline, winding in and out of the trees until you come to a junction with Suzy's Cave Trail. Take a right here to make a loop with the Tobin Harbor Trail to return to the visitor center if you are planning on a shorter loop.

Past this trail junction, the trail continues to wind along the water's edge, passing by the Three Mile Campground and coming to the junction with the Mount Franklin Trail. Here again, hikers have the option to turn right to make a loop with the Tobin Harbor Trail.

Continuing on, the trail heads past Starvation Point and hikers can glance across the water at Mott Island, a barrier island and the park's summer headquarters. This next section of trail is nearly level with only a few small undulations and no challenging hills.

Eventually, you'll come to the Daisy Farm Campground, the Daisy Farm Trail and the Mount Ojibway Trail. From the campground, climb a small hill to the junction with the Daisy Farm Trail and stay to the left to continue on the Rock Harbor Trail.

This next section of trail is the most challenging in terms of hills as you actually have a couple ups and downs to navigate. There is still nothing too steep, and before you know it, you'll be descending to the trail's end at the Moskey Basin Campground and Lake Richie Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 11 votes

#7475

Overall
  4.3 from 11 votes
5 Star
36%
4 Star
55%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#110

in Michigan

#7,475

Overall
12 Views Last Month
2,505 Since May 25, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

9%
0%
36%
27%
27%
0%

Photos

Sunrise over Rock Harbor.
Jan 16, 2017 near Isle Ro…, MI
Rock Harbor
May 21, 2015 near Isle Ro…, MI
Rock Harbor Campground
May 21, 2015 near Isle Ro…, MI
Hiking Trail from Three Mile to Daisy Farm - Isle Royale National Park
Apr 2, 2020 near Isle Ro…, MI
Isle Royale from the Rock Harbor Trail
May 21, 2015 near Isle Ro…, MI
Moskey Basin.
Jan 16, 2017 near Isle Ro…, MI

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