Isle Royale Forums

Hello!
I have spent the last 4 hours reading all of the wonderful advice provided on this forum! THANK YOU!!
I am days away from my 49th birthday! 5 of my gal friends and I began backpacking a few years ago. We have backpacked Picture Rocks, North Manitou and I have also done a 35 miler in Yosemite.
I usually plan hikes by cheating - my husband has taken Boy Scouts on the hike and then my friends and I use his itinerary.
This is my first solo planning.
We all run and LOVE the outdoors. So, we're in okay shape. We will do some practice hikes with our packs.
That being said, I worry that my itinerary might be too aggressive.
We are arrive in Rock Harbor from Copper Harbor on Tuesday.
Day 1 - Rock Harbor to Lane Cove
Day 2 - Lane Cove to West Chickenbone
Day 3 - West Chickenbone to Daisy Farm
Day 4 - Daisy Farm back to Rock Harbor to catch Boat back to Copper Harbor - Friday
I'd love your opinions/suggestions!!
KP

I think your trip itinerary is fine. I did it my first trip to the island and I was not in shape. Enjoy

Welcome, kuuipo0619!
You've made a great plan with some awesome campsites. Here's my personal thoughts:
Day 1: Very doable, especially if you're arriving via the Queen which gets you there earlier. You could see my trip report ("First Boat Experience") for details on that leg. Lane Cove is worth the trek.
Day 2: This would be a longer day, but once you're back up on the Greenstone, it's a pretty decent hike with great views. Provided you have good weather, don't hesitate to take your time as there are numerous spots to stop and enjoy the view.
Day 3: I'm guessing you'll be mostly backtracking if you take the shorter route back on the Greenstone to Daisy Farm Trail, although you may wish to consider hopping over the Greenstone down the Indian Portage Trail to Lake Richie Camp, then the Lake Richie Trail to Moskey, and Moskey over to Daisy. It will add a couple miles (maybe 3) but that extra hour or two on the trail will put you past some amazing areas and camps. (Like having lunch at Moskey)
Day 4: Again, doable, and you should have plenty of time. The trail goes up and down a bit on the rock, and if it's stressing you, jump over to the Tobin Harbor trail at Suzy's Cave.

You've picked a good route in that you should have several "decision points" where if your group is not faring well or someone gets an injury, you can adapt your itinerary and keep the hikes shorter.
Best of luck! Be sure to file a trip report when you return!