Last updated: April 5, 2022
Thing to Do
Minong Section 2: Hike from Todd Harbor to Little Todd
© SETH HIERS
About this Trail
- Mileage: About 6.8 miles
- Primitively maintained trail
- Rocks and roots on trail
- Steep inclines
- Rocks slippery when wet
- Changing trail conditions require a map, compass, and navigation skills
- Parts of trail marked with cairns
- Trekking poles are recommended
Trailheads
- McCargoe Cove
- Via Voyageur II passenger ferry. Reservations needed in advance.
- Windigo
- Rock Harbor via the Greenstone Ridge Trail
The Minong Ridge Trail is considered the most challenging trail at Isle Royale because of its isolation, changing trail conditions, exposed rocky ridges, and steep ridge climbs and descents. This section between Todd Harbor and Little Todd Harbor includes steep inclines and exposed ridges where navigation can be difficult—keep a look out for cairns marking the path. A creek is located near the junction to Little Todd Campground. Expect wet feet at this creek crossing.
Alternative Route: Take the Hatchet Lake Trail to the Greenstone Ridge Trail
The Hatchet Lake Trail is located 1.4 miles west of Todd Harbor Campground. The Hatchet Lake Trail—2.3 miles long—connects the Minong Ridge Trail to the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Many backpackers choose to hike the "easier" section of the Minong Ridge Trail—from McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor—and then take the Hatchet Lake Trail to the Greenstone Ridge Trail.
Found Nearby
- Todd Harbor Campground
- Little Todd Harbor Campground
- Hatchet Lake Trail
- Hatchet Lake Campground
- Haytown Mine
Details
Duration
1 Day
Activity
Backcountry Camping
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Minong Ridge Trail at Isle Royale National Park
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility Information
The trail is 18 inches wide and covered in rocks and roots.
Closed
Basic Information
Little Todd Campground is located in Little Todd, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail.
Stay Limit: 2 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No boat access.
Stay Limit: 2 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No boat access.
TOTAL SITES: 4
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 4
Walk to/Boat to: 4
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Amenities
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- No
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- No
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Non-Potable Water
Fire/Stove Policy
Camp fire rings are located at each individual tent site. Otherwise, self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Composting Toilets - seasonal
Shower Types
- None
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior. To make the most of your visit, it is necessary that you plan ahead and prepare. Be aware that many services and items that are available on the mainland are not available at Isle Royale. Due to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and its effect on island weather, be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)
No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.
$0.00
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Physical Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Directions
Little Todd Campground is located in Little Todd, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail.Regulations
All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Campfire rings or standing grills provided. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT/ 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.
Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the island. However, Michigan size, season, and possession limits still apply. Only barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies may be used on inland lakes and streams. A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the waters of Lake Superior.
Image Gallery
NPS / Katie Keller
NPS / Katie Keller
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.
Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access.
RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.
RV Allowed - No
Trailer Allowed - No
Classification - This campground is a primitive camping area.
Closed
Basic Information
Todd Harbor Campground is located in Todd Harbor on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail. Boats can overnight at dock.
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 1
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2’.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 1
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2’.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 9
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 5
Walk to/Boat to: 9
Group: 3
Horse: 0
Other: 1
Amenities
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- No
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- No
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Non-Potable Water
Fire/Stove Policy
Community campfire ring. Otherwise, self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Composting Toilets - seasonal
Shower Types
- None
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior. To make the most of your visit, it is necessary that you plan ahead and prepare. Be aware that many services and items that are available on the mainland are not available at Isle Royale. Due to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and its effect on island weather, be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)
No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.
$0.00
Group Tent Sites
3 Group Sites by advanced reservation only. All parties of 7 or more must submit group permit requests through the park's online request system. The fee is a per permit cost for each party within a group of 7 or more.
$25.00
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Physical Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Directions
Todd Harbor Campground is located in Todd Harbor on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail.Regulations
All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Fire in common ring only. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT/ 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.
Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the island. However, Michigan size, season, and possession limits still apply. Only barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies may be used on inland lakes and streams. A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the waters of Lake Superior.
Image Gallery
NPS / Katie Keller
NPS
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.
Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access.
RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.
RV Allowed - No
Trailer Allowed - No
Classification - This campground is a limited development campground.
Closed
Basic Information
Hatchet Lake Campground is located on Hatchet Lake off of the Hatchet Lake Trail. This campground is located near the center of the island.
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot
TOTAL SITES: 8
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 5
Walk to/Boat to: 8
Group: 3
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Amenities
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- No
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- No
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Non-Potable Water
Fire/Stove Policy
Self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Composting Toilets - seasonal
Shower Types
- None
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior. To make the most of your visit, it is necessary that you plan ahead and prepare. Be aware that many services and items that are available on the mainland are not available at Isle Royale. Due to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and its effect on island weather, be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)
No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.
$0.00
Group Tent Sites
3 Group Sites by advanced reservation only. All parties of 7 or more must submit group permit requests through the park's online request system. The fee is a per permit cost for each party within a group of 7 or more.
$25.00
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Physical Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Regulations
All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Self-contained stoves only. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT/ 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.
Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the island. However, Michigan size, season, and possession limits still apply. Only barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies may be used on inland lakes and streams. A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the waters of Lake Superior.
Image Gallery
NPS / Katie Keller
NPS
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.
Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access.
RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.
RV Allowed - No
Trailer Allowed - No
Classification - This campground is a primitive camping area.