How tough are the trails?

[HikerBob51]

My hiking experience is good, but limited to the Presidential Range in New Hampshire and the Mahoosucs in western Maine. Does anyone know how Isle Royale compares for ruggedness? "Wilderness" is not a concern and I'm accustomed to a lot of vertical and rock-hopping, but have no sense of Isle Royale. I've read DuFresne's guide, but won't have a good feel until I've been out. Planning for a mid-August trip. Any info would be appreciated.

[MikeT]

The hardest part of the island is getting to the island and being on an island. That is also the best part.
I've hiked the presidentials and out west and it is closer to the presidentials and AP versus out west. In terms of difficulty. But, look at the first sentence (and second for that matter). That is the difference. Not to plug my website, but go there and it will give you a feel for it. Like I said, read the first two lines. It is true wilderness. You can find that out west, but not on the AT or presidendials. But, you have to get there.

And no bears. no porcupines. But, you have to get there. once you are there, you are there in wilderness.

[johnhens]

My hiking experience is good, but limited to the Presidential Range in New Hampshire and the Mahoosucs in western Maine. Does anyone know how Isle Royale compares for ruggedness? "Wilderness" is not a concern and I'm accustomed to a lot of vertical and rock-hopping, but have no sense of Isle Royale. I've read DuFresne's guide, but won't have a good feel until I've been out. Planning for a mid-August trip. Any info would be appreciated.

If you are talking the "notch" in ME, you will have no problem with IR. There are rocky sections where boulder hopping is required. Can get interesting when wet. Think of the 100 Mile Wilderness.

[HikerBob51]

This is helpful. Many thanks!