The portage is, in general, down hill from the parking lot to the lake.  It is 200 rods long (slightly less than 2/3s of a mile).  There are two up hill stints, but not steep.  At the end, it is a little muddy.

The portage lies with the wilderness boundaries, and is not a motor use area ... wheels are prohibited.

The better of the campsites on Litle Gabbro is on the far side of the lake.  It is a short paddle.  There are, however, several nice spots within two miles on Gabbro Lake.  No portages are necessary going into Gabbro unless the water is high (spring) and the narrows are running harder than you think is safe to paddle.

Wear your life jacket, and have a great trip.