Rock Harbor Trail

Rock Harbor Trail is a long, coastal hike in Isle Royale National Park that runs between the Rock Harbor area and Moskey Basin on Lake Superior’s shoreline system.

Use it as a point-to-point day or multi-day route framework: it’s about 10.4 miles one-way and roughly 20.8 miles as an out-and-back, with the mapped long-distance version coming in around 16.6 km total distance.

Expect terrain that tests ankles even when the overall grade is modest: the route transverses rocky outcroppings and rooty, uneven tread with sections that can be hard to keep your footing on.

Route finding is part of the work. Cairns are placed on open ridges, and the trail can cut into woods after leaving the Rock Harbor side, then rejoin shoreline travel toward the backcountry hubs.

On this line, the trailhead-to-campsite pacing includes the major junctions and shelters used for wilderness itinerary planning. Suzy’s Cave sits about 1.8 miles from the Rock Harbor trailhead, and you also pass the junction with the Tobin Harbor Trail and Mount Franklin Trail around that Suzy’s Cave area.

The route gives practical access to backcountry camping nodes along the way, including Three Mile Campground, Daisy Farm Campground, and Moskey Basin, making it a common building block for Harbor-to-Hills style itineraries.

Regulations are wilderness-park rules: pets are prohibited, and trip planning should include any required park entrance and backcountry permits before you commit to the dates.

More information: Map, Visitor information, Chippewa Harbor to Rock Harbor - Wise Old Man of Isle Royale