Isle Royale Maps
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 3:44 pm
As has been recommended many times, the Nat Geo Trails Illustrated map is the defacto go to map of the island. However, there's a new map out from the Isle Royale & Keweenaw Parks Assoc that may be a desirable alternative for some, mostly because it's significantly lighter and smaller. It's basically the USGS quad maps combined for the whole island, at a reduced scale. I just got one, and here's the differences:
Trails Illustrated vs IRKPA map:
3.3 oz vs 1.1 oz (93 gms vs 30 gms)
25x37" vs 12x36"
IR on 2 sides vs IR on 1 side
Heavier vs Lighter paper (both waterproof)
1:50,000 vs 1:62,500 scale (reduced scale)
25' vs 40' contours (more elevation detail on TI)
Mileage on the map vs Chart of miles between campgrounds
The IRKPA map has detailed insets of the Rock Harbor and Windigo areas on the back
The TI map has more water detail if you're paddling
I find the TI map easier to read with my old eyes and progressive lens. But the new one is OK, and I wouldn't hesitate taking it. Which you prefer will mostly depend on where you fall on the detail vs size/wgt trade-off.
Both can be found here: http://irkpa.org/shop/maps-charts where you can get either folded or rolled versions of both (great for a wall map).
Trails Illustrated vs IRKPA map:
3.3 oz vs 1.1 oz (93 gms vs 30 gms)
25x37" vs 12x36"
IR on 2 sides vs IR on 1 side
Heavier vs Lighter paper (both waterproof)
1:50,000 vs 1:62,500 scale (reduced scale)
25' vs 40' contours (more elevation detail on TI)
Mileage on the map vs Chart of miles between campgrounds
The IRKPA map has detailed insets of the Rock Harbor and Windigo areas on the back
The TI map has more water detail if you're paddling
I find the TI map easier to read with my old eyes and progressive lens. But the new one is OK, and I wouldn't hesitate taking it. Which you prefer will mostly depend on where you fall on the detail vs size/wgt trade-off.
Both can be found here: http://irkpa.org/shop/maps-charts where you can get either folded or rolled versions of both (great for a wall map).