Rock Harbor Trail

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · Views

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.