County Highpointing in a “Flat” State…
As a Midwestern state Michigan sits amid some of the least interesting terrain in the country. As it is, however, Michigan sits surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and has a geologic history that has helped create a rather varied landscape. Split into two ecologically, geologically, and demographically distinct peninsulas, the state of Michigan offers the best and worst in county highpointing. The western Upper Peninsula lies within the rugged Canadian Shield and offers some of the toughest cross-country travel in the Midwestern US. The eastern UP and northern LP are characterized by lakeshore plains mixed with glacial hills and uplands. The land is not as rugged here but nonetheless includes some of Michigan’s highest elevations. The southern LP is perhaps the least interesting from a highpointing standpoint. The land is generally flat and you are likely to need a good topo map with you to tell you when you are, indeed, where you need to be.
I don’t consider myself an avid county highpointer, I am awestruck and dumbfounded by the people who take it upon themselves to visit all the U.S. county highpoints. The time and money required for this are far beyond my reach so I have set my sights on a goal more attainable…visiting the county highpoints in my home state. So far I’ve visited a little over half of them, and will hopefully complete the lot of them in the next year or so. Even though none of these highpoints are very dramatic it has treated me to an interesting journey into some of the more remote corners of my home state, each unique in its own way…
Upper Peninsula
County highpointing in the UP is a completely different animal than it is in the Lower Peninsula. Most of the highpoints here lie on public land but due to the difficult terrain and lack of good access roads make these places quite difficult to reach. The eastern half of the peninsula is comparatively flat but the maze of muddy backroads that criss-cross the backcountry here makes finding these highpoints an adventure...
County | Elevation | Location | Access | Information |
Alger | 1170' | Unnamed | Short Hike | Near where Alger, Schoolcraft, and Luce Counties meet. The highpoint is obvious...if you can find it...you'll need 4WD and a good map. |
Baraga | 1979' | Mt. Arvon | Short Hike | Michigan's Highest Point. SE of Skanee. The route to the trailhead has been much improved in recent years, it's a half-mile hike from the parking area. |
Chippewa | 1090' | McNearney Lake Tower | 4WD/Short Hike | NE of Eckerman. An old truck trail leads to the summit area (you'll want a 4WD). Hiawatha National Forest |
Delta | 1068' | Unnamed | Private Land | Near Lathrop off M-35. Highpoint is actually on State Land but you must cross private property to reach it. |
Dickinson | 1609' | Sagola Lookout | Drive-Up | Just W of Sagola. From reports you can drive up to the old lookout easily. |
Gogebic | 1870' | Unnamed | Roadside | Extreme SE corner of county. Highpoint is located 50 yards W of FR-321 just inside the state border. |
Houghton | 1659' | The Bluff | Bushwhack | Extreme SW corner of county. A steep bushwhack, one of the toughest on this page. Ottawa National Forest |
Iron | 1880' | Unnamed | Private Land | SW of Beechwood near State Line. Highpoint is located within the privately owned Smoky Lake Wilderness, get permission to access this one. |
Keweenaw | 1540' | Mt. Horace Greeley | Private Land | This highpoint all but impossible to visit as it is on the grounds of a juvenile detention center and is strictly off-limits to the public. The entrance is along Gratiot Lake Road SE of Phoenix. |
Luce | 1197' | Unnamed | 4WD/Bushwhack | Near where Luce, Schoolcraft, and Alger Counties meet. Logging roads criss-cross the area so have a good map and a 4WD. |
Mackinac | 1000' | Maple Hill & Unnamed | Roadside & 4WD/Bushwhack | Maple Hill-Adjacent to East Lake Road at Chippewa County line. Unnamed Area-W of Fish Road(two-track), half-mile bushwhack |
Marquette | 1932' | Unnamed | North Country Trail | Along North Country Trail in McCormick Wilderness, N of Michigammee. A 4-mile round-trip hike. |
Menominee | 1171' | Unnamed | Private Land | NW of Hermansville near Dickinson line, must obtain owner permission to access. |
Ontonagon | 1952' | Summit Peak | Short Hike | Highest point in Porcupine Mountains State Park. Access road gets you within a quarter-mile of the top in the summer. |
Schoolcraft | 1050' | Unnamed | 4WD/Bushwhack | Near where Schoolcraft, Luce, and Alger Counties meet. Logging roads criss-cross the area so have a good map and a 4WD. |
Northern Lower Peninsula
The northern LP is a mix of what you will find to the north and south. The amount of public land here decreases, meaning you’ll likely run into more “No Trespassing” signs. The terrain here, however, is still quite interesting. Particularly towards the tip of the mitt glacial activity has created a fairly hilly landscape to explore.
County | Elevation | Location | Access | Information |
Alcona | 1273' | Unnamed | Bushwhack | W of Curran near County Line, Huron National Forest |
Alpena | 1140' | Turtle Lake Tower | 4WD | Extreme SW corner of county in large roadless area |
Antrim | 1489' | Unnamed | Short Bushwhack | On Otsego County line just S of Elmira |
Arenac | 870' | Unnamed | 4WD | Just W of I-75 in Au Sable State Forest |
Benzie | 1161' | Unnamed | Private Land | Extreme SE corner of county, 4WD will get you close |
Charlevoix | 1562' | Hudson Lookout | Gravel Road | East of Boyne Falls near Otsego County line, Mackinaw State Forest |
Cheboygan | 1300' | Unnamed | 4WD, Short Hike | SW of Wolverine within Mackinaw State Forest |
Clare | 1509' | Unnamed | Short Hike | Just W of Harrison |
Crawford | 1540' | Portage Lake Lookout | 4WD, Short Hike | SW of Grayling within Camp Grayling(U.S. Army), open to public |
Emmet | 1329' & 1338' | Boyne Highlands, Nubs Knob | Private Land | N of Harbor Springs, both are popular ski areas so visit in the summer, steep climbs to the tops |
Gladwin | 1240' | Unnamed | 4WD, Mile Hike | Extreme NW corner of county on Roscommon County line, Au Sable State Forest |
Grand Traverse | 1214' | Unnamed | Private Land | W of Traverse City off M-72, must obtain owner permission to access |
Iosco | 1030' | Unnamed | Short Hike/Bushwhack | 3 Areas in extreme NW corner of county, Huron National Forest |
Isabella | 1270' | Bundy Hill | Private, Short Hike | SW of Lake Isabella, must obtain owner permission to access |
Kalkaska | 1476' | Cleary Hill | Hike/Bushwhack | SE corner of county within Camp Gryaling (U.S. Army), open to public. 4WD would be handy to reach trailhead, 2-mile round-trip. |
Lake | 1410' | Unnamed | 4WD, Short Hike | E of Baldwin near county line; a 4WD will get you close, then it's a half-mile hike. |
Leelanau | 1165' | Unnamed | Private Land | W of Traverse City, just N of M-72. A short dirt two-track leads to the top. |
Manistee | 1180' | Unnamed | Bushwhack | SE of Kaleva in Manistee National Forest |
Mason | 955' | Unnamed | Private Land | SE of Ludington off US-31, must obtain owner permission to access |
Mecosta | 1280' | Unnamed | 4WD/Hike | W of Big Rapids at Newaygo County line. A 1.5 mile round-trip hike. |
Midland | 770' | Unnamed(x28) | 4WD/Hike | 28 separate areas around the community of Coleman. This one's a mess, go here for info. |
Missaukee | 1555' | Unnamed | Private Land | NW of McBain, not far off the road along a corn field. |
Montmorency | 1440' | Unnamed | 4WD/Short Hike | W of Atlanta near Otsego County line. |
Newaygo | 1350' | Unnamed (1,2) | Bushwahck & Private Land | 2 separate highpoints. First is west of Big Rapids in Mansitee National Forest, second is farther N on Private Land |
Oceana | 1058'(x5) | Unnamed | Bushwhack | 5 Areas NW of Walkerville, Manistee National Forest |
Ogemaw | 1510' | Unnamed | Private Land | W of West Branch at Roscommon County line, located in brand new subdivision so access could become an issue |
Osceola | 1722' | Grove Hill | Roadside Park | Highest Point in Lower Peninsula, NW of Tustin. |
Oscoda | 1470' | Old Baldy | 4WD/Short Hike | SE corner of county, numerous ATV tracks make this one tricky, Manistee National Forest |
Otsego | 1560' | Unnamed | Private Land | NW of Waters, numerous dirt roads lead to gated property, its a decent bushwhack from there. |
Presque Isle | 950' | Unnamed(1,2,3,4) | Roadside/Private Land/Short Hikes | #1-Mackinaw State Forest, #2-Mackinaw State Forest, #3-Private Land, #4-Roadside |
Roscommon | 1579' | Indian Springs Lookout | Short Hike | Just S of I-75 near Ogemaw County line, short walk up to radio tower. |
Wexford | 1706' | Briar Hill | 4WD or Hike | SE of Harrietta, a high clearance 4WD will get you to the top, otherwise a 1.5 mile round-trip hike. Manistee National Forest |
Southern Lower Peninsula
This is a true Midwestern landscape in all its monotony. Flat farmland and an unending conglomeration of cities, suburbs, and subdivisions makes for the least interesting highpointing of the entire state. All but a handful of highpoints here lie on private land making access difficult at times though for many you hardly need to leave your vehicle...
County | Elevation | Location | Access | Information |
Allegan | 1000' | Unnamed | Drive-Up/Short Hike | Extreme SE corner of County, highpoint is in a cornfield about 1000' from the road. |
Barry | 1138' | Unnamed | Hike/Bushwhack | Near Yankee Springs in Barry State Game Area. |
Bay | 845' | Unnamed | Private Land | Extreme NW corner of county just S of M-61, must obtain owner permission to access. |
Berrien | 938' | Unnamed | Private Land | S of Buchanan near Indiana line, must obtain owner permission to access. |
Branch | 1130' | Unnamed | Private Land | SE corner of county near Hillsdale County line, HP is in a field a quick walk from the road. |
Calhoun | 1106' | Dixon Hill | Short Hike | Just N of M-60 between Tekonsha and Burlington. An ATV trail leads the half-mile to the top. |
Cass | 1150' | Bald Hill | Drive-Up/Short Hike | Near Swiss Valley Ski Area |
Clinton | 930' | Unnamed | Drive-Up | Just W of US-127 at Ingham County line, HP is in parking lot of Granger Recycling Center |
Eaton | 1000' | Unnamed | Drive-Up | South of Eaton Rapids near Calhoun County line, an easy dirt road drive-up. |
Genesee | 1030' | Unnamed | Drive-Up | 2 HP's on either side of State Road at Livingston County line in Fenton. |
Gratiot | 890' | Unnamed | Private Land | 5 HP's just S of M-46 W of Alma, must obtain owner permission to access. |
Hillsdale | 1280' | Unnamed | Private Land | Just S of Hillsdale, the HP is on private property and, according to a recent report, the owners are not very hospitible. |
Huron | 860' | Unnamed | Private Land | 12 areas just NW of Minden City near the Sanilac County line. |
Ingham | 1050' | Teaspoon Hill | Drive-Up | N of Leslie, HP is along Covert Road just E of US-127. |
Ionia | 950' | Unnamed | Drive-Up | 5 areas in extreme NW corner of county, most can be driven right over. |
Jackson | 1190' | Unnamed | Private Land | HP is located on a dairy farm NW of Hanover, must obtain owner permission to access. |
Kalamazoo | 1056' | Unnamed (1,2) | Private Land | 8 total HP's all located on private property W of Kalamazoo. |
Kent | 1063' | Fisk Knob | Drive-Up | Easy to visit HP in NW corner of county. An impressive view for this part of the state. |
Lapeer | 1280' | Mt. Christie | Drive-Up/Short Hike | S of Metamora on Oakland County line. HP is within Mount Christie Estates but access is not a problem (for now). |
Lenawee | 1227' | Prospect Hill | Private Land | NW of Onstead, requires a 3/4 mile round-trip hike but owner permission must be obtained to access. |
Livingston | 1230' | Foley Ridge | Private Land/Short Hike | S of Fenton in Foley Ridge subdivision. The land here is all privately owned but I didn't see any postings on the trail to the summit...nice view! |
Macomb | 1150' | Twombley Mountain | Private Land/Escorted Drive-Up | Good luck visiting this one! The HP is located on the Ford Motor Company Proving Grounds which are off-limits to the public. You'll have to arrange a private tour to reach this one. |
Monroe | 735' | Unnamed | Drive-Up | Extreme NW corner of county, an easy drive up. |
Montcalm | 1120' | Unnamed | Drive-Up | Just NW of Stanton, an easy dirt road drive up. |
Muskegon | 974' | Unnamed | Private Land/Drive-Up | Just NW of Casnovia. A good dirt road gets you close, the highpoint is in a nearby peach orchard. |
Oakland | 1230' | Grampian Hills | Drive-Up | NE of Lake Orion. This is the official highpoint but a recent report states that Pine Knob, E of Clarkston, is higer by 50'. |
Ottawa | 950' | Unnamed | Private Land | HP is in an orchard W of Sparta, a paved road gets you close but you must obtain owner permission to access. |
Saginaw | 735' | Unnamed | Private Land | 6 HP's located W of Oakley on Shiawassee County line, must obtain owner permission to access. |
St. Clair | 910' | Unnamed | Drive-Up | A county road passes right over this one, just N of Capac. |
St. Joseph | 1030' | Mount Zion | Drive-Up/Short Hike | NW of Three Rivers, a short trail leads from the road to this nice wooded HP. |
Sanilac | 910' | Unnamed | Private Land/Short Hike | Just W of Marlette near Lapeer County line, 5 HP's are located in privately owned fields. |
Shiawassee | 960' | Unnamed | Private Land/Bushwhack | SW of Shaftsburg on Ingham County line, must obtain owner permission to access. |
Tuscola | 980' | Unnamed | Private Land/Short Hike | SW of Mayville, HP is in privately owned field. |
Van Buren | 1060' | Unnamed | Private Land | E of Lawton near Kalamazoo County line, looks like you'll need owner permission to access. |
Washtenaw | 1150' | Sharon Short Hills | Private Land/Bushwhack | 2 HP's NW of Manchester, both are on private land and require owner permission to access. |
Wayne | 990' | Mayberry State Park | Hike | In Michigan's most populous county it may surprise you to find out that this HP is along a well maintained hiking trail on State Owned land. Though not visually spectacular, this is one of the nicest HP's in southern Lower Michigan. |
County Highpoint Map
This map shows the approximate locations of each of Michigan's County Highpoints. The ones I have visited include a link if you want to get a look at them...
Chinigo - Sep 23, 2008 12:22 am - Voted 9/10
Correction to Barry Cty HPBTW - I really like your page, so this is intended to be constructive! I found that the point called French Benchmark on the Cloverdale USGS topo map is apparently 1138' in elevation. So, maybe you had a typo and then maybe the name was not clear. Best regards, (Pete) Chinigo
dwhike - Sep 23, 2008 7:32 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Correction to Barry Cty HPThanks, Pete...you are correct, it was a typo. I got the spot right but apparently misread or mis-typed the topo. I've gone ahead and corrected it on the page. Appreciate the heads up and glad you stopped to visit! Cheers, Dan
Chinigo - May 30, 2011 8:15 pm - Voted 9/10
Name correction neededHi Dan, The correct name for the Kent County HP is Fisk Knob, not Fish. It actually has a decent view from the "summit". Also, I attached it to your page as a child. Best regards, Pete
Chinigo - Jul 2, 2011 11:04 pm - Voted 9/10
One more correctionThe high point of Cass County is not actually Bald Hill. Bald Hill is a sub-peak of another summit about 0.5 miles SW. I called it Bald Hill SW0.5.
solidago - Mar 1, 2012 9:43 pm - Hasn't voted
Houghton Co. highpoint errorsIn terms of the location of the highest point in Houghton County, Michigan, there are two errors. First, the hill called "The Bluff" on the linked map is not "The Bluff." "The Bluff" is located two summits ENE of the hill shown, and is clearly indicated on topo maps by that name. In addition, it has a high bluff on the south side. Second, the location of the highest point in the county is not certain from topographic maps; a survey might be needed. The elevation shown at the summit of the hill shown on the linked map is 505m, and the elevation shown on your site is 1659 feet. However, several closed 505m contour lines are shown in Houghton County in the area. One, about a mile SE of the summit shown on the linked map, has a spot elevation of 507m (1663ft). In summary, I can't guarantee where the highest point in the county is, but it's not where you have it located.
tansor01 - May 2, 2013 9:11 am - Hasn't voted
Grove Hill Elevation ErrorThe elevation of 1722'listed for Grove Hill (Osceola County, MI)would appear to be in error. The North America Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88)and the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1920 (NGVD29)both show an elevation of 1703'for this highpoint. While this location would still be the highpoint for Osceola County, it would appear to be lower than the elevation of 1706' for Briar Hill (Wexford County, MI) -- making Briar Hill the highest point in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan (assuming you use the USGS or accepted surveying benchmarks).