Last updated: February 23, 2022
Thing to Do
Harbor to Hills Section 1: Hike from Rock Harbor to Three Mile
© YEVA CIFOR
About this Trail
-
Mileage: About 3.6 miles
-
Overgrown vegetation near trail
- Rocks and roots on trail
- Many ups and downs on slippery rocky surfaces
Trailheads
- Rock Harbor
- Windigo via Greenstone Ridge Trail
- Three Mile via water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge. Reservations are needed in advance.
The Rock Harbor Trail can be busy because it leads to one of the island's main transportation hubs, Rock Harbor. This section between Rock Harbor and Three Mile offers picturesque views of the Rock Harbor Channel and the outer islands. The Rock Harbor Trail begins past the Rock Harbor Campground. Much of this trail transverses over rocky outcroppings and it can be difficult to find secure footing. Cairns (rock stacks) are placed on open ridges to mark the way.
After hiking about 1.8 miles from Rock Harbor the trail cuts into the woods and arrives at the trailhead for Suzy's Cave. Suzy's Cave is an inland sea arch carved by waves when Lake Superior's shoreline was higher. Past Suzy's Cave is the junction with the Tobin Harbor Trail and Mount Franklin Trail.
The Rock Harbor Trail continues along the shoreline for about another 1.8 miles to Three Mile Campground. Three Mile Campground is located right on the shore. Campers enjoy the sounds of water lapping the shoreline while relaxing at camp in the evening.
Found Nearby
- Rock Harbor
- Rock Harbor Campground
- Three Mile Campground
- Daisy Farm Campground
- Mount Franklin
- Suzy's Cave
Details
Duration
1 Day
Activity
Backcountry Camping
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Rock Harbor Trail at Isle Royale National Park
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility Information
The trail is about 18 inches wide and is covered in rocks and roots.
Three Mile Campground
Closed
Basic Information
Three Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails. Boats can overnight at dock.
Stay Limit: 1 night effective June 1 – September 17 annually
Shelters: 8
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 9’
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Stay Limit: 1 night effective June 1 – September 17 annually
Shelters: 8
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 9’
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 15
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 4
Walk to/Boat to: 15
Group: 3
Horse: 0
Other: 8
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
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
Three Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails.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 and shelters are first come, first serve. Group tent sites must be reserved in advance.
Image Gallery
NPS / Mike Ausema
NPS / Alan West
NPS / Alan West
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.
Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access.
RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trail access.
RV Allowed - No
Trailer Allowed - No
Classification - This campground is a limited development campground.
Rock Harbor Campground
Closed
Basic Information
Rock Harbor Campground is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale, off of the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails. Additional fees for boats to stay overnight at marina.
Stay Limit: 1 night from June 1 – September 15 annually.
Shelters: 9
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-12’.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Stay Limit: 1 night from June 1 – September 15 annually.
Shelters: 9
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-12’.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 23
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 11
Walk to/Boat to: 23
Group: 3
Horse: 0
Other: 9
Amenities
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- Yes, Seasonal
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- Yes, Seasonal
- Ice for Sale
- Yes, Seasonal
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- Yes, Seasonal
- Amphitheater
- Yes, Seasonal
- Laundry
- Yes, Seasonal
- Dump Station
- Yes, Seasonal
- Potable Water
- Potable Water - Seasonal
Fire/Stove Policy
Self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Composting Toilets - seasonal
- Flush Toilets - seasonal
Shower Types
- Hot - Seasonal
- Coin-Operated - Seasonal
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
Rock Harbor Campground is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale, off of the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails.Regulations
All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Self- 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. Treated water supply available.
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 and shelters are first come, first serve. Group tent sites must be reserved in advance.
Image Gallery
NPS / Alan West
NPS / Alan West
NPS / Paul Brown
NPS / Katie Keller
NPS / Alan West
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible. Other facilities in the general Rock Harbor area (associated with the Lodge) are accessible.
Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access in campground. Paths surrounding marina and Lodge area are accessible.
RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.
RV Allowed - No
Trailer Allowed - No
Classification - This campground is a developed campground.