Daisy Farm Trail

Overview

Daisy Farm Trail is a short but rewarding connector linking Daisy Farm Campground on Rock Harbor Channel to the Greenstone Ridge. It’s about 1.7 miles one way (roughly 3.4 miles out-and-back), with a steady lakeshore-to-ridge climb that pays off with ridge-top views on the island’s eastern side. If you want more variety, fold it into the “Daisy Farm Triangle,” a roughly 5.1-mile day hike that strings together this trail with Mount Ojibway and a segment of the Greenstone Ridge.

Trail Experience

Expect classic Isle Royale footing: rocky and rooty stretches with sections of dense vegetation that can feel overgrown as summer advances. Boardwalks span wet or marshy areas; these can be slick after rain and occasionally flooded thanks to beaver activity. The gradient is moderate but consistent, so you’re climbing most of the way from the lakeshore to the ridge. Near Daisy Farm, keep an eye out at dawn for moose nosing through the shallows; along the water, loons and other birds are a soundtrack to camp mornings.

Tips & Tricks

Start early for quieter trail time and your best wildlife odds. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots—between rocks, roots, and wet boardwalks, you’ll appreciate the stability. Dense vegetation can obscure the path in places, so bring a map and real navigation skills, not just a phone. Beaver flooding can make sections very wet or temporarily impassable; check current conditions with park staff before you head up. If you have the energy, tag Mount Ojibway and return via Greenstone Ridge to complete the Triangle for a fuller sampler of this corner of the island.

Best Time to Hike

Late spring through early fall is prime. Summer and early fall offer pleasant temperatures and higher wildlife activity—but also thicker brush and more bugs. Weather turns quickly here; rain makes the boardwalks slick, and wind can be brisk on the ridge. For photography and cooler temps, aim for a morning start from Daisy Farm; sunsets are lovely on the lakeshore back at camp after your hike.