Chickenbone Lake to Hatchet Lake

This section of the Greenstone Ridge Trail is considered challenging and tough, not an easy hike. Hikers should be prepared for constant elevation changes, including steep ascents and descents, and uneven surfaces with rocks and roots. The National Park Service recommends strong navigation skills due to changing trail conditions.

The terrain is rugged, featuring forested wilderness with significant elevation changes. You'll encounter numerous ups and downs, often on paths covered with rocks and roots. Some wet areas are navigated by wooden planking. The trail alternates between open ridgelines and dense forests of paper birch, quaking aspen, and spruce.

While much of the ridgetop is forested, there are several picturesque points. The ascent of Mount Siskiwit offers scenic vistas, especially in early or late seasons. You might catch glimpses of Siskiwit Lake and, on clear days, the Canadian shoreline through the trees. The West Chickenbone Lake Campground is also a notable point along the route.

Yes, this route is primarily part of the Greenstone Ridge Trail. It also connects to the Hatchet Lake Trail, which links the Greenstone Ridge with the more demanding Minong Ridge Trail.

Isle Royale National Park is typically open from mid-April to late October. The early and late seasons (spring and fall) might offer clearer views from ridgelines as vegetation is less dense. Always check weather conditions, as they can change rapidly.

Yes, as this trail is located within Isle Royale National Park, you will need to pay an entrance fee and obtain a backcountry permit for overnight stays. You can find detailed information on fees and permits on the official National Park Service website: nps.gov.

No, pets are generally not permitted on Isle Royale National Park trails, including this route. This regulation helps protect the park's unique ecosystem and wildlife.

Given its challenging difficulty, significant elevation changes, and rugged terrain, this trail is generally not recommended for beginners or young children. It requires a good level of fitness and experience with backcountry hiking.

This segment connects Chickenbone Lake to Hatchet Lake. Access to these remote areas of Isle Royale National Park is primarily by ferry or seaplane, as there are no roads or parking facilities directly at the trailheads. Hikers typically begin their journey from one of the park's main entry points after arriving by boat.

Hikers often mention a particularly 'dreaded switchback' along the route, which leads into a 'valley of bugs.' These sections, combined with the constant ups and downs and rocky, root-filled paths, contribute to the trail's overall difficulty.

The hike from Chickenbone Lake to Hatchet Lake is approximately 12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles) and typically takes around 3 hours and 33 minutes to complete. This duration is for hiking only and does not include breaks or time spent at viewpoints.