Minong Section 3: Hike from Little Todd to North Desor

This is the stretch of the Minong Ridge that separates the committed from the curious. From Little Todd, the trail wastes no time throwing you into a series of punishing climbs along a ridgeline that feels more like a scramble than a hike. The tread is barely there in places — ankle-rolling rocks, slick roots, and cairns that play hide-and-seek when you need them most. Between the grunt work, though, the ridge opens up to sweeping views of Lake Superior's northern shore and the raw interior of Isle Royale, the kind of wilderness panorama you simply cannot get from the island's gentler trails. Footing demands constant attention, so you'll earn every vista the hard way. This section is built for backpackers who thrive on route-finding and don't mind trading comfort for the most dramatic scenery on the Minong Ridge.