Highland State Recreation Area

Highland State Recreation Area of Oakland County, Michigan

Trail Distance:

Over 26 miles long.

Directions:

Take U.S.- 23 to M-59, drive East 12 miles or I-75 to M-59 driving West 14 miles. Main Park Entrance is on the South side of M-59, between Bogie Lake Road and Ormand Rd.

Google Map

Trail List:

• Highland-Foot Trails - 17 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
• Highland-Mountain Bike Trails - 16 (Miles), Mountain Biking
• Highland-Equestrian Trails - 12 (Miles), Bridle

Trail Description:

Cross country ski trail is groomed.

Highland Recreation Area offers 5,900 acres of forest, marshes and lakes in the rolling hills of Southern Michigan. With trails to accommodate equestrian riders, mountain bikers, hikers and skiers, there's an activity for every season in this park. Three different day-use areas provide ample space for picnics, swimming, horseshoes or volleyball. Access sites are located on four lakes within the park for fishing and recreational boating.

Features:

• Hunting - Hunting is allowed within designated areas of the park. Inquire at the park headquarters for information on areas closed to hunting and on regulations in state parks.
• Dog Trial Area - Three dog field trial areas (FTA) are available. The Silo FTA, the Barn FTA, and the Moore Lake FTA. Hunting dogs may be trained year round.
• Designated Watchable Wildlife Site - The Wildlife Viewing Guide is now on line at www.michigan.gov/miwildlifeviewing
• Beach House - Provides clothes-changing area for swimmers.  
• Swimming - A sandy beach is located on Teeple Lake.
• Fishing - Two fishing piers are available in the park, one located on Alderman Lake and one on Lower Pettibone Lake. Shore fishing is very popular near dam sites and on all lakes in the recreation area.
• Picnic Area - Picnic tables and fire pits/grills
• Picnic Shelter(s) - Shelters are available to rent at Dodge 10 Unit, at Teeple Lake's picnic area and at Goose Meadow, adjacent to Haven Hill. Call the park at 248-889-3750 to reserve any shelter. The Teeple Beach Shelter is ADA accessible.
• Hiking - Nature trails abound at the Goose Meadow day-use area. More than 17 miles of trails are open for hiking.
• Bridle Trails - Trails may have other designated uses. A riding stable with 12 miles of equestrian trails is available. For additional information, call 248-887-4349.
• Mountain Biking - Approximately 15 miles of advanced trails are open to mountain biking with a variety of loops shared with hikers.
• Snowmobile Area - Allowed with 4" of snow or more on the ground. Check with park office for areas open to snowmobiling.
• Boating Access Site/Launch - Access for boating and fishing. Boating access sites are located on Alderman, Teeple, Moore and Lower Pettibone lakes within the park.
• Cross Country Ski - Click here for a cross country ski map
• Metal Detecting Areas - Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statutes. If you wish to use a metal detector in this state park, here is a map that shows clearly where this activity may take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.
• Other - The Haven Hill Natural Area has all of southern Michigan's principal forest types within one small area, including swamp forest of tamarack, cedar, beech-maple forest, oak-hickory forest, and mixed hardwood forest. The area has remained largely undisturbed for the past 75 years and has retained its natural character as well as some unusual flora and fauna. It is an excellent educational facility which is used by universities and international organizations. Late April and early May are the best times to view warblers and spring wildflowers.

Please check the DNR Calendar for upcoming events at this location and at all state parks and recreation areas.

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