The best walks and hikes in Highland State Recreation Area

Yes, dogs are welcome in Highland State Recreation Area but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under your immediate control at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Absolutely. The park offers many gentle trails perfect for a family outing. A great option is the Mount Omich loop from Oceola Township. It's a relatively flat and scenic walk that provides a good taste of the park's landscape without being too strenuous for younger hikers.

There are several parking areas located throughout Highland State Recreation Area, typically near the main trailheads for the Haven Hill and Teeple Lake areas. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. It's a good idea to arrive early on weekends, as popular spots can fill up quickly.

Yes, the trails at Highland State Recreation Area are very popular with trail runners. The varied terrain, with its rolling hills and wooded paths, provides both scenic and challenging runs. The main trail loops in the Haven Hill area are particularly well-suited for running.

The park is well known for its excellent loop trails. Most of the main hiking routes are designed as loops, so you can end your hike where you started without retracing your steps. A good example is the Mount Omich loop from Milford, which offers a complete circuit with varied scenery.

The park is the former country estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, which they called their 'Nerve Retreat'. While hiking, you can discover remnants of the 1920s estate, including the former sites of their lodge, a swimming pool, and tennis courts, particularly within the Haven Hill Natural Area.

For those seeking a full-day challenge, the park offers extensive trail networks that can be combined for longer hikes. The Highland State Recreation Area – 8-shaped route is the longest in this guide, covering about 12.4 miles (20 km) and is a great choice for experienced hikers looking to spend several hours on the trail.

The trails cater to a range of abilities. The majority are rated as easy, featuring gentle slopes and well-maintained paths. However, there are also moderate trails with more significant hills and a few difficult, longer routes for those seeking a challenge. The park's rolling moraines mean you can expect some elevation changes on most hikes.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the beautiful woodlands, the well-marked trail system, and the peaceful feeling of being 'up north' while still close to home.

Highland State Recreation Area offers a rustic campground primarily designed for equestrian users, but it is open to others. While there are no dedicated backcountry backpacking sites along the trails, this campground provides an option for an overnight stay to explore the park over multiple days.

In the winter, the park's rolling hills and wooded trails become a great destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing once there is sufficient snowfall. The quiet, snow-covered landscape offers a completely different and peaceful hiking experience.

There are over 25 designated hiking routes available on komoot for Highland State Recreation Area. The park itself features 45 miles of trails, many of which are multi-use, shared with mountain bikers and equestrians, offering a wide variety of paths to explore.