Copyright: Michigan State Parks & Forests
Highland Recreation Area has both recreation facilities and excellent wildlife habitats.
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Description - This park boasts 5,903 acres of terrain comprised of open brush land, mature hardwood forest, and pockets of open meadows. The varied habitats support populations of white-tailed deer, rabbit, pheasant, duck, goose, and squirrel. Woodland wildflowers and bird species are impressive.
Attractions
- Highland Recreation Area has many features for outdoor recreationists. Horseback riding and horse camping are two of the park's most popular sports. Sixteen miles of bridle trail, a staging area, and campground cater to equestrians. A group camp is offered at the park as well. Also for rent is the Bass Lake fully modern cabin which sleeps 5, in wooded seclusion, overlooking Bass Lake. With thousands of hardwood and open meadow acreage, the park lends its self to wonderful nature trails, wildflower identification and bird and wildlife watching. Hunters are permitted in the park harvesting pheasant, duck, goose, white-tailed deer, and squirrel. A dog field trail area is available. Seventeen miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails traverse the landscape. More than 8 miles of mountain bike trails rewards the novice biker. Snowmobiling is permitted when snow depths reach 4". Anglers can enjoy catching bluegill, pike, bass and crappie, and swimmers will enjoy the beach at Teeple Lake. Boat launches are available at Alderman, Teeple, Moore and Lower Pettibone lakes. Ice fishing is permitted. The 546-acre Haven Hill Natural Area features lush forest, Michigan wildflowers and a variety of bird species, all of which can be seen from the park's nature trails. Dodge 10 Unit, located off Pettibone Lake Road at the western end of the park, provides a quiet setting for many activities. A picnic shelter is available for rent between April 1 and October 15.
Teeple Lake, with its clear water and surrounding wooded hills, is located in the southeastern section of the park. Available for use: swimming beach, modern toilet building, horseshoe courts, volleyball net, picnic area with grills, picnic shelters for rent and a boat launch. Goose Meadow adjacent to Haven Hill has the following: nature trails, picnic areas with grills, picnic shelter for rent, horseshoe court and ball diamond.
Recreation - The park offers family camping, lake swimming, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, mountain biking, horseback riding, horse camping, and several wintertime activities such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Climate - Southeast Michigan is the warmest region in the state with summer temperatures averaging 70 degrees F (above 21 degrees C) but it is not infrequent for days to reach the high 80s. Winter temperatures are warmer as well with averages hovering just below freezing. Yearly moisture amounts range between 18 - 32 inches. Location -
Highland Recreation Area is located 15 miles west of Pontiac along Highland Road (M-59). Pontiac.
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