Last updated: October 8, 2026
Thing to Do
Hike Grand Portage Trails
NPS photo / S. Layton
Hiking at the Monument
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
- Leave what you find
- 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
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
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.
Activity Fee
No
Grand Portage National Monument is a fee free area.
Location
Trailheads near the North West Company Depot
Both the Mount Rose and Grand Portage trailheads are located across Mile Creek Road from the historic North West Company Depot.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
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. The Mount Rose Trail has numerous stairs. The Grand Portage trail crosses water and has narrow boardwalks in wet areas.
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.
Walk the trail year-round between Lake Superior and the Pigeon River. See the path made famous by the fur trade.