Highland Recreation Area

Highland Recreation Area spreads across roughly 5,900 acres of rugged glacial hills, lakes, wetlands and forest in Oakland County near Milford and White Lake, in the rolling country northwest of Detroit. Among the more rugged of the metro-Detroit state parks, it offers a surprising sense of wildness within easy reach of the city.

At its heart lies the Haven Hill State Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark protecting an exceptional diversity of habitats — upland forest, lowland swamp, lakes and bog — on land that was once the country estate of automaker Edsel Ford. Highland is renowned for its challenging equestrian and mountain-biking trails through hilly terrain, along with hiking, lakes for fishing and paddling, and camping. Its rugged hills, ecological richness and excellent trails make it a beloved destination for active recreation near metropolitan Detroit.

Highland is known for its challenging trails — renowned equestrian and mountain-biking routes wind through rugged glacial hills, complemented by hiking and cross-country-ski trails. The area’s lakes offer fishing, paddling and quiet bays, and a campground (including equestrian camping) serves overnight visitors. The Haven Hill Natural Area adds trails through exceptional habitat. The rugged terrain and excellent trails make it a destination for active recreation near Detroit.

Spring through fall is prime for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking the hilly trails, with fall color especially fine. Summer brings warm lakes for fishing and paddling and full use of the campground. Winter opens cross-country-ski and snow trails across the rugged terrain. The trails draw riders and bikers across the warmer seasons, while the lakes and Haven Hill reward visitors year-round.

The Haven Hill portion was once the country estate of Edsel Ford, son of Henry Ford, who preserved its diverse natural habitats; the land later became part of the state recreation area, and Haven Hill was designated a National Natural Landmark for its ecological richness. The surrounding rugged hills and lakes were assembled into Highland Recreation Area, preserving a wild landscape for recreation in the developing country northwest of Detroit.

Highland’s rugged terrain — steep hills, ridges, kettle lakes and bogs — was shaped by the terminal moraines and meltwater of the retreating Ice Age glaciers. The dramatic glacial topography gives the area its challenging trails and varied landscape, with kettle depressions holding the lakes and bogs and the morainal hills providing the relief that makes Highland one of the more rugged metro-Detroit parks.

The forests, swamps, lakes and bogs of Highland and especially the Haven Hill Natural Area host white-tailed deer, fox, and a rich community of birds, with waterfowl, herons and songbirds around the water and woodland species in the diverse forest. The exceptional variety of habitats — upland forest, lowland swamp, lake and bog — makes the area unusually rich for wildlife watching near a major metropolitan area.

The Haven Hill State Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark, protects an exceptional diversity of habitats in a small area — upland hardwood forest, lowland conifer swamp, lakes and bog — an unusual richness that earned its landmark status. The surrounding recreation area adds rugged forest, kettle lakes and wetlands. These varied, sensitive habitats, especially the bog and swamp, depend on protection from disturbance and altered hydrology.

From its origins as Edsel Ford’s Haven Hill estate to its modern fame among mountain bikers and equestrians, Highland is woven into the outdoor culture of metropolitan Detroit. Its rugged trails and the ecological treasure of Haven Hill have made it a beloved, wilder retreat near the city, valued by riders, bikers, hikers and naturalists alike.

Highland Recreation Area is reached via M-59 (Highland Road) near Milford and White Lake in Oakland County, an easy drive northwest of Detroit. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required. The campground (including equestrian sites), trailheads, lake access and the Haven Hill Natural Area are spread across the recreation area; consult a park map for the mountain-bike and equestrian trail systems and current conditions.

Protecting the Haven Hill Natural Area’s exceptional habitat diversity — especially its sensitive bog and swamp — is central to Highland’s mission, alongside managing the rugged recreation lands. Visitors help by staying on designated trails to protect the terrain and habitats, cleaning and draining boats to prevent aquatic invasive species, respecting the natural area’s sensitive communities, and packing out litter.

The mountain-bike and equestrian trails are hilly and can be challenging or technical — ride within your ability, wear a helmet, and watch for horses and other users on shared routes. The lakes have cold water below the surface; supervise swimmers. Bring insect protection and watch for ticks in warm months, and tell someone your route on the rugged trails. In winter, dress for conditions on the ski trails.

A Recreation Passport is required. Stay on designated trails and respect trail-use designations for biking, horseback riding, hiking and skiing — some trails are use-specific. Follow Michigan DNR fishing regulations on the lakes, and boaters must clean, drain and dry. Pets must be leashed. Camp only in reserved, designated sites. Respect the Haven Hill Natural Area’s sensitive habitats and any posted closures.

The towns of Milford and White Lake lie nearby, with Kensington Metropark, Proud Lake and the chain of Huron-Clinton metroparks and Oakland County recreation areas all within reach. The Huron River country, the lakes of Oakland County, and the Detroit metropolitan area surround the park, making Highland part of a rich network of outdoor recreation northwest of the city.

Ride or ride horseback on the renowned, rugged trails — check the maps and match routes to your ability — and hike the Haven Hill Natural Area for its exceptional habitat diversity. Reserve campsites (including equestrian sites) early. Wear a helmet on the bike trails and watch for horses. Visit in fall for color over the rugged hills, and pair a visit with nearby Kensington Metropark.