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Best trails in Isle Royale National Park

Best trails in Isle Royale National Park

4.6(3,301 reviews)

·

United States
#52 of 60 national parks

The largest island in Lake Superior and one of two parks not accessible by road, Isle Royale National Park is a rarely visited destination due to its isolated location and wilderness. It has many shipwrecks, waterways, and hiking trails. The park also includes over 400 smaller islands and the waters up to 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from the island. There are only 20 mammal species and it is known for its wolf and moose relationship.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $7
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Exceptions
Transportation Services (Offered May to September)
May 1–Sep 30, 2025 • Open 24 hours
Annual Winter Closure (November 1 to April 15)
Nov 1, 2025–Apr 15, 2026 • Closed
Phone
(906) 482-0984
Entrance pass
Per Person (Apr 16–Oct 31)

$7 per person per day to enter or remain in Isle Royale National Park. Children 15 and younger are exempt.

Visiting Park Headquarters in Houghton, MI does not require a fee.

$7
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

Isle Royale Season Pass: $60 valid from April 16 through October 31 of the year indicated. Pass covers fees for the pass holder and up to three adults traveling with the pass holder (four total).

$60
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The Houghton Visitor Center and Rock Harbor Visitor Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Assistance is available by staff on a golf cart to access Windigo Visitor Center, as there is a very steep grade. Orientation films include closed captioning.

Audio, text, and Braille materials are available.

Many ranger-led programs at the Portage Lake District Library, Rock Harbor Auditorium, and Windigo Visitor Center are wheelchair accessible. Please contact the park in advance to make a reservation for accessibility needs.

Additional information about accessibility at Isle Royale National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Transportation

The crew on the Ranger III boat can assist with loading and unloading on the gangplanks, but please alert staff to any accessibility needs when making your reservation. The Ranger III has a wheelchair accessible grill and restrooms. The MV Sandy boat is also wheelchair accessible.

Commercial and private seaplanes and boats are also used to access the park. Please contact those services directly to ask about accessibility.

Facilities

The Houghton Visitor Center and Rock Harbor Visitor Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Assistance is available by staff on a golf cart to access Windigo Visitor Center, as there is a very steep grade. Orientation films include closed captioning.

Camping

The Daisy Farm and Rock Harbor Campgrounds have 1 individual wheelchair accessible camping site, but the paths in these areas are not accessible and will likely require assistance.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park. Service dogs must have a veterinary health certificate that must be received by the park at least 2 days prior to your visit.

Trail reviews for Isle Royale National Park

3,210 trailgoers Busiest in August
Aug 27, 2025Hiking
Good viewsNot crowded

Lots of trip hazards and great views moose prints and wolf prints Isle Royale national Park

Scoville Point via Stoll Trail
Aug 31, 2025Hiking
Not crowded

Fun trail! We liked the points of interest and seeing the different ecosystems of Isle Royale. It was a short, easy trail, and a nice activity while waiting for the ferry to take us back to the mainland.

Difficulty: Easy
Windigo Nature Trail
Aug 28, 2025Backpacking
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Very nice trail for our first few hours on Isle Royale

Parking: Permit required, Paid, Large lot
Scoville Point via Stoll Trail
Jul 17, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

We flew into Isle Royale by seaplane and rented a canoe to paddle to the trailhead.

Parking: Entry fee
Suzy’s Cave Trail
Jul 13, 2025Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

Another great Isle Royale trail. We took the Tobin Harbor trail out, but crossed over and took the Rock Harbor trail back. The Rock Harbor trail is definitely more difficult, but has better views, fewer bugs, and is cooler in temperature. Both routes are great. Mt Franklin had some fog so we could not see Canada, but the view was still worth the hike.

Conditions: Bugs, Muddy, Overgrown, Wildflowers
Mount Franklin via Tobin Harbor Trail
Aug 15, 2025Hiking

The trail is a beautiful hike through the woods! The flora is beautiful all along the way! The trail is easy to navigate, but the path has a lot of tree roots and a few rocks that make the path a bit difficult. You need to be careful of your footing! The limited access to Isle Royale makes this a fairly tough trail to get to. It is well worth the effort

Difficulty: Moderate
Grace Creek Overlook
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Isle Royale National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Isle Royale National Park is Scoville Point via Stoll Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 652 reviews. This trail is 4.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 177 ft.

What is the longest trail in Isle Royale National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Isle Royale National Park is Rock Harbor to Windigo via The Greenstone Ridge Trail. This trail is estimated to be 39.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Isle Royale National Park?

There are 39 trails in Isle Royale National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 3,301 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Isle Royale National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Isle Royale National Park has you covered. Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor boasts the most elevation gain with 3,992 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Rock Harbor to Windigo via The Greenstone Ridge Trail, which will get you 3,845 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Isle Royale National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 24 camping trails in Isle Royale National Park and the most popular is Rock Harbor to Daisy Farm with an average 4.6 star rating from 272 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Isle Royale National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 12 running trails in Isle Royale National Park and the most popular is Scoville Point via Stoll Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 652 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Isle Royale National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Isle Royale National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Isle Royale National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Isle Royale National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Isle Royale National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in Isle Royale National Park?

Yes, there are 39 trails with lakes in Isle Royale National Park, including Scoville Point via Stoll Trail, Suzy’s Cave Trail, Rock Harbor to Daisy Farm, Mount Franklin via Tobin Harbor Trail, and Grace Creek Overlook.

Are there any trails with caves in Isle Royale National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with caves in Isle Royale National Park, including Suzy’s Cave Trail, Lane Cove Trail, and Lake Richie via Rock Harbor.

Are there any trails with beaches in Isle Royale National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a beach in Isle Royale National Park: Feldtmann Lake Loop Trail.

Are there any trails with rivers in Isle Royale National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with rivers in Isle Royale National Park, including Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Malone Bay, Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point, and Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Isle Royale National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with scenic viewpoints in Isle Royale National Park, including Grace Creek Overlook, Windigo to Feldtmann Lake, Feldtmann Lake Loop Trail, and Hidden Lake and Lookout Louise via Greenstone Ridge Trail.

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