Thing to Do

Hike Grand Portage Trails

A person carrying a large box held in place with a head strap.
Hike like a voyageur!

NPS photo / S. Layton

Grand Portage National Monument offers two trails:
the one mile round trip trail to the top of Mount Rose and the 17 mile round trip Grand Portage. Hikers may camp at Fort Charlotte on the Pigeon River by obtaining a free backcountry permit. Fort Charlotte is the only place within Grand Portage National Monument where camping is allowed.

Bicycles are prohibited on the trails at Grand Portage National Monument.

Trail Safety

  • Wear sturdy foot wear
  • Carry water
  • Pack rain gear and/or warm clothing, dress in layers and long sleeves/pants for bug and sun protection
  • Remember insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit
  • Know the difficulty level of the trail and your physical abilities and limitations

Leave No Trace!

  • Stay on the trail
  • Carry out all trash
  • No fires except in designated fire rings at Fort Charlotte
  • Please do not feed or disturb wildlife

Pets

  • Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m). Pets are not allowed inside buildings or the stockade of the historic depot. There are trails around the perimeter of the stockade allowing a bypass.
Details
Activity
Hiking

Leashed pets are allowed on trails and not allowed inside the historic depot or inside the Heritage Center. Service animals are allowed in all areas of Grand Portage National Monument.

Grand Portage National Monument is a fee free area.

Both the Mount Rose and Grand Portage trailheads are located across Mile Creek Road from the historic North West Company Depot.

Reservations
No

The trails are open year round. Snowshoes are recommended for Mount Rose during winter. Snowshoes or skis are recommended for the Grand Portage when there is significant snow on the trail.

Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information

Trails at Grand Portage National Monument are steep and narrow in places with uneven, rocky footing and areas of standing water. They are not wheelchair accessible.

Grand Portage National Monument

A stone restraining wall in front of a view of a bay.
Hike Mount Rose

Hike to the top of Mount Rose for a view of Grand Portage Bay and a bird's eye look at the reconstructed North West Company Depot.

A low water river with rocks showing above the water, passing through a forest.
Explore the Grand Portage Footpath

Walk the trail year-round between Lake Superior and the Pigeon River. See the path made famous by the fur trade.

Last updated: August 2, 2023