Mott Island Trail

Mott Island Trail is a 2.3-mile loop around the shore of the island that holds Isle Royale’s summer headquarters. It follows the protected Rock Harbor shoreline over gentle rises and dips; the eastern end is the standout stretch. Allow about 1.5 hours on foot, before adding time for boat access.

The connected mapped paths make a 2.3-mile outer loop. Published directions give 2.6 miles for the full circuit and mention a 1.8-mile crossover, but those figures do not match the available connected paths. Treat the distance as approximate and check local wayfinding before choosing a line.

The hike requires boat or paddling access; there is no road approach. Use Mott Island Docks for public day use, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern. The National Park Service lists the separate Ranger III dock as closed to public use. A route description places the trail start near the seaplane-dock area, but the short link from the landing to the mapped circuit is not traced, so confirm your landing and route before setting off. The visitor season runs April 16 through October 31; the island closes November 1 through April 15.

The park’s summer headquarters is on Mott Island, and staff and trail crews use the island during the season. This is a low-relief footpath. Available route descriptions do not specify the exact tread or on-trail facilities, so bring what you need for a remote walk. Pets are prohibited in the park.