Last updated: April 5, 2022
Thing to Do
Minong Section 3: Hike from Little Todd to North Desor
NPS / KATIE KELLER
About this Trail
-
Mileage: About 5.7 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
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Parts of trail marked with cairns
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Trekking poles are recommended
-
Most common location for search and rescues
Trailheads
- McCargoe Cove
- Via Voyageur II passenger ferry. Reservations are needed in advance.
- Windigo
- Rock Harbor via the Greenstone Ridge Trail
This trail section between Little Todd and North Desor is the most difficult section of Isle Royale's most challenging trail—the Minong. Daring hikers experience elevation changes, unsure footing, and changing trail conditions that require navigation skills. Although less than six miles, this section typically takes hikers the entire day. There is no water easily accessible from this trail. Purify water at Little Todd Campground or North Desor Campground.
Found Nearby
- Little Todd Campground
- North Desor Campground
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.
Little Todd Campground
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.
Individual tent sites are first come, first serve.
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.
North Desor Campground
Closed
Basic Information
North Desor Campground is located on the north side of Lake Desor off of the Minong Ridge Trail. There is no boat/canoe/kayak access.
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day
Access: Foot
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day
Access: Foot
TOTAL SITES: 3
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 3
Walk to/Boat to: 3
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
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
North Lake Desor Campground is located on the north side of Lake Desor off of the Minong Ridge Trail.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.
Individual tent sites are first come, first serve.
Image Gallery
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.