Greenstone Ridge Trail
A roughly 65 km backpacking trail along the spine of Isle Royale, running from Windigo to Rock Harbor. It is a classic long-distance hike in the American Midwest.
The Greenstone Ridge Trail follows the central ridge of Isle Royale for about 65 km, running from Windigo in the west to near Lookout Louise in the east. It passes the island's highest point, Mount Desor (about 425 m), as well as the Ishpeming Point and Ojibway Mountain observation towers. Along the way you'll find boreal forest, open rocky ridges and lakes. From the ridge, you can often see both the north and south shores of Lake Superior, and if you're lucky, moose tracks or even wolf tracks. A full thru-hike usually takes 4 to 6 days. Campsites are mostly beside lakes or in coves below the ridge. You need a free overnight permit and must bring your own water filter, stove and waterproof gear.
Opening hours
Approx. mid-April to late October (park open season)
Nearby sights
- Minong Ridge Trail
- Siskiwit Lake
- McCargoe Cove & Minong Mine
- Chippewa Harbor
- Mount Ojibway Tower & Daisy Farm
- Rock Harbor Lighthouse & Edisen Fishery
- Suzy's Cave
- Tobin Harbor