Getting in shape to hike from McCargoe Cove to Moskey Basin

[jennyk]

My husband and I need to get in shape for our first trip to IR. Our plan is to hike from McCargoe to Chippewa Harbor or Daisy Farm to catch the ferry back to MN. It looks like the stretch over the Greenstone Ridge will be the most strenuous. Is there any hiking within a few hours of the Twin Cities or along the Superior Hiking Trail that would give us an idea of what that elevation change and/or terrain might be like? The Isle Royale book by DuFresne gives this a moderate rating but that isn't terribly helpful without a difficulty rating scale.

Thanks!

[IncaRoads]

The largest elevation gain along the Indian Portage Trail (McCargoe Cove to Chippewa Harbor) is only about 200 feet. As you cross the Greenstone Ridge near Chickenbone Lake, you are at one of the lowest elevations along the whole length of the Greenstone Ridge Trail.

Afton State Park is about 20-30 minutes east of St. Paul, MN. Put on your hiking shoes and full pack and hike a few of the steep trails from the bottom lands of the St. Croix River to the prairie up above the river.

[jennyk]

That's it?! I was expecting something much steeper than the trails at Afton. You made my day! Thanks!

[jerry]

jennyk, Last year I went from McCargoe to Chippewa Harbor in one day with about 100 trees across the trail (I was 67 at the time). Follow IncaRoads advice and you'll do fine. A short break when you get to the Greenstone junction is what I'd do.

[jennyk]

Thanks, Jerry! I appreciate it. We were thinking it would be significantly harder and it would take us all summer to be ready. I'm so glad we're wrong.