Isle Royale Forums

We're planning to hike the Minong Ridge east to west around August 15, 2011, and would appreciate any trail condition info recent hikers have to share on this trail and the Huginnin Cove Trail. This would be our first trip on these trails so any info would be helpful. Thanks! Perhaps we'll see you on the trail.

Hi LikenIR,

I hiked the Minong in June. McCargoe to Todd Harbor was clear of downfall and maintained very well. Some rockhopping, but not much. Todd Harbor to the Hatchet Lake/Little Todd junction is a nice easy hike. I started to see some downfall at the Hatchet Lake junction, but it wasn’t too bad. Possibly cleared by now. Once you pass Little Todd, you’ll hit the toughest parts of the trail. Lots of rockhopping and looking for cairns. The views are outstanding. North Lake Desor to Washington Creek is a long section and at times challenging. Plenty of rockhopping and a few times I had to look for the trail. The Minong has some killer ups and downs, but they are fun to tackle.

I hiked the Huginnin Cove loop last year. The campground was actually closed for rehabilitation when I was out there this year, but it is a really nice hike and easy to follow. The Cove is a great place to see a sunset…so is Todd Harbor.

Blackdog: Very helpful! Thanks a bunch. Good hiking to you, LikenIR

LikenIR wrote:We're planning to hike the Minong Ridge east to west around August 15, 2011, and would appreciate any trail condition info recent hikers have to share on this trail and the Huginnin Cove Trail. This would be our first trip on these trails so any info would be helpful. Thanks! Perhaps we'll see you on the trail.

I just did the Huginnin Cove loop. There were some significant trees down each way (1/2 doz?), none terrible to get around, a couple awkward to get under. These are new this summer, as the trail was clear earlier, but the trail crew is so limited they aren't getting back for the new stuff. The Huginnin campground IS open now (and very nice).

I just talked to two individuals who got back from a stint on the Minong, among other places. Neither mentioned any downfall problems, so when I asked, they said the trails were "perfectly fine."