Greenstone 2: 2.8mi Ridge Hike

Q: Can I do this solo and be safe?

Yes, but you must carry a satellite communicator (no cell service), tell someone your itinerary, and have solid map-reading skills. Solo is doable but high-consequence.

Q: Do I need trekking poles?

Not mandatory, but they reduce ankle strain on rocks and cut knee impact on descent by 30–40%. Highly recommended.

Q: How common are bears on this trail?

Sightings are rare but possible. Make constant noise while hiking and maintain 100 yards distance if you see one.

Q: Can I do this as a pure day hike or do I need to camp?

Day hike is possible: arrive 9–10 AM, hike 4–6 hours, catch return ferry by 5 PM. Tight but doable. An overnight at Daisy Farm or Three Mile is more comfortable.

Q: What happens if weather turns bad on the ridge?

You're exposed. If fog rolls in or wind exceeds 25 mph, visibility drops and footing becomes treacherous. Turn back immediately; no shame in aborting for weather.

Greenstone Section 2: Hike from Mount Franklin to Mount Ojibway

Distance

2.8 mi

Est. Time

4–6 hours depending on fitness and comfort with exposure. Slower hikers should allow 6–7 hours.

Route Type

Point-to-point

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring, Summer, and Fall (April 16–October 31). Park closed November 1–April 15. Ferry transportation limited to May–September only.

Overview

About This Trail

Traverse the exposed Greenstone Ridge from Mount Franklin to Mount Ojibway on a 2.8-mile backcountry hike with relentless rocks and roots underfoot. The trail climbs along an exposed ridge offering unobstructed views of Lake Superior, patches of forest, and Isle Royale's eastern reaches. This is technical terrain demanding map and compass skills—changing conditions and minimal blazes can disorient unprepared hikers. The payoff is solitude and vistas most tourists never reach.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Challenging

Trail Highlights

Unobstructed Lake Superior views from an exposed ridge at Isle Royale's eastern end. Mount Franklin and Mount Ojibway both offer commanding overlooks with minimal tourist crowds. The ridge walking offers psychological exposure without extreme technical difficulty—the real challenge is the terrain and navigation.

Insider Tips

• The false summits near Mount Ojibway will tempt you to stop early—the real views are at the actual peaks • Start before 8 AM; ridge wind picks up in afternoon and the descent becomes miserable • Pack snacks at the 2-mile point; the final 0.8 miles are mentally harder on empty calories • Ojibway Tower (historic fire lookout) is nearby—detour if you have energy; views rival Mount Ojibway itself • Descending rocky sections is harder on knees than climbing; trekking poles cut knee impact by 30–40%

Best Season to Hike

Spring, Summer, and Fall (April 16–October 31). Park closed November 1–April 15. Ferry transportation limited to May–September only.

Hiking Tips

Bring map, compass, and solid navigation skills—trail markers are sparse and changing conditions obscure the route
Trekking poles reduce ankle strain on rocky sections by 30–40%
Pack 2L water minimum; nearest water source is Lake Superior (requires filtering) via Daisy Farm or Three Mile Campgrounds
Make noise for bears (100-yard distance rule); black flies and mosquitoes peak June–July
Wear sturdy boots with ankle support—roots are aggressive and footing is treacherous when wet
Descending is harder on knees than ascending; take the descent slowly

Family Info

Not recommended for children under 10. The exposed ridge, rocky terrain, and navigation demands require strong hiking skills and comfort with exposure. Older teens (13+) with solid backcountry experience may manage. No handholds on exposed sections—maintain hand-holding if bringing kids.

What Hikers Say

Hikers report the rocky terrain and exposed ridge are more demanding than anticipated, but Lake Superior views justify the effort. Most say the solitude and technical challenge deliver real backcountry satisfaction. Experienced backpackers rate it highly; casual day hikers sometimes find it harder than expected.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 2.8 miles

Duration: 4–6 hours depending on fitness and comfort with exposure. Slower hikers should allow 6–7 hours.

Difficulty: Challenging

Route Type: Point-to-point

Surface: Rocky and rooty throughout. Trail is 18 inches wide on exposed ridge sections. Loose footing when wet.

Getting There

Trailhead: Multiple access points: Rock Harbor (main), Three Mile Campground, Daisy Farm Campground, Hidden Lake, and Windigo. Most hikers start from Three Mile or Daisy Farm via ferry or water taxi.

Parking: Not applicable—ferry-access only. No parking lot at trailhead.

Fills Up: Not applicable—ferry-access only.

Requirements

Permit Required

Day hikes do not require permits. Backcountry camping (overnight) requires advance reservations through the National Park Service (available at recreation.gov).

Fees: $7 per person per day park entrance fee (children under 16 exempt). Trail use is free with park entry. America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all federal recreation sites.

Shuttle Required

Multiple water-based options (advance reservations mandatory): (1) Isle Royale Queen IV or Ranger III passenger ferry to Rock Harbor from Houghton, MI (May–Sept, 1.5–3+ hours); (2) Voyageur II ferry to Daisy Farm from Copper Harbor (May–Sept); (3) Private water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge to Three Mile or Hidden Lake; (4) Private boat rental from Rock Harbor Lodge. Contact Rock Harbor Lodge at (906) 337-4993 for taxi and rental bookings.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Minimal blazes. Trail markers are sparse and inconsistent. Changing conditions can obscure the route. Map and compass are essential, not optional.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Lake Superior is the primary water source, accessible via Daisy Farm or Three Mile Campgrounds. Water must be filtered or chemically treated. The trail itself carries no potable water—bring sufficient supply (2L minimum).

Shade: Exposed ridge with scattered forest patches. 40–50% sun exposure. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket for wind protection.

Cell Service: No cell service on trail. Bring a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or similar) for emergencies.

Hazards:

The ridge is exposed to sudden weather shifts—wind can pick up rapidly in afternoon. Rocks and roots create constant ankle-turning traps; footing is treacherous when wet. Trail width of 18 inches in places creates psychological exposure (though not true cliff drops). Sparse blazes and changing conditions demand map-and-compass navigation. Bears inhabit the island (maintain 100-yard distance; make noise while hiking). No emergency services on trail; satellite communication recommended for solo hikes.

Emergency: Isle Royale National Park Ranger Stations: Rock Harbor (May–Sept) or Windigo (May–Sept). Contact via satellite communication or upon return to trailhead. Non-emergency: (906) 337-3993.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Ghost town. This is deep backcountry; most tourists don't push this far. Expect to see a handful of other hikers on peak summer days.

Peak Times: July–August midweek afternoons (relatively quiet for Isle Royale standards). Weekends busier. Spring and fall are the quietest.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

18 inches wide with rocks and roots throughout. Steep sections with psychological exposure. Not wheelchair accessible. Very difficult for those with mobility limitations or balance issues.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Daisy Farm Campground and Three Mile Campground are on-trail or nearby (both have backcountry campsites). Rock Harbor Lodge offers accommodations, supplies, boat rentals, and water taxi services (May–Sept). Windigo has basic facilities and ranger station. No resupply or facilities on the trail itself.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this harder than Greenstone 1 (Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin)?

Yes, this section is more exposed and has consistently rockier terrain. Greenstone 2 is about one step up in difficulty.

Can I do this solo and be safe?

Do I need trekking poles?

How common are bears on this trail?

Can I do this as a pure day hike or do I need to camp?

What happens if weather turns bad on the ridge?

📖 National Park Service — Greenstone Section 2: Hike from Mount Franklin to Mount Ojibway (official page) (checked 2026-07-06) 📖 National Park Service — Isle Royale National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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