Highland State Recreation Area, 5200 E. Highland Rd,  White Lake, Michigan. 

Within seconds of entering the Haven Hill section of Highland State Recreation Area, you’ll know why Edsel Ford nicknamed this property a “Nerve Retreat”. Your drive or hike or bicycle ride through the park begins with a soothing curve into the forest and then the realization that city life is truly behind you. It’s time to surrender and enjoy the nearly 6,000 acres of majestic forest-covered rolling hills and all its beauty!

Located inside of Highland State Recreation Area is the Haven Hill National Natural Landmark which contains all of southern Michigan's principal forest types in one place, 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.

Cedar Creek Trail Map Final 11 1 17.jpg

Click HERE for the official HSRA Unit Map (shown below) downloadable PDF file.

The new Cedar Creek Trail at Highland State Recreation Area...

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Park Users Groups:

Highland State Recreation Area is popular for many other outdoor activities. Click on one of the links below to learn about other groups...

Highland Trail Riders

Natural Qualities

  • Striking views from Western Oakland County’s highest natural hill

  • 721 acres of National Natural Landmark designation

  • Jens Jensen landscape design throughout the Haven Hill area

  • A recipient of the American Society of Landscape Architects “Centennial Medallion Award”

  • Abundance of wildlife (from snapping turtles to white tail deer)

  • Extensive variety of flora and fauna

  • Common & not-so-common bird species (from owls to vultures)

Goose Meadow

  • Edsel Ford’s 69 acre Haven Hill Lake

  • Cedar Creek Dam

  • Fishing

  • Hiking Trails

  • Picnic shelter* w/water & electricity

  • Volleyball

  • Softball

Equestrian

  • Scenic Riding Trails

  • Staging Area w/ample parking, water, grills & picnic tables

Teeple Lake

  • Beach & changing/restrooms

  • Fishing & boat launch

  • Two large picnic shelters* w/grills & tables

  • Hiking Trails

  • Volleyball & horseshoe pits

  • Teeple Hill scout camping

Additional

  • Rustic campground (equestrian-ready)

  • Bass Lake Lodge rental cabin (one of our finest state park cabins!)

  • Dodge #10 picnic shelter* w/kitchen, restrooms and fireplace

  • Mountain biking trails

  • Dog Trial areas

  • Cross country ski

  • Trailhead step off point for Chief Pontiac Trail, an historic BSA backpacking trail founded in June, 1958.

  • Ample parking for school & tour buses

  • Hotel accommodations & dining are within 10-15 minutes

 

Trails

While there are already miles of serene hiking, biking & horse riding trails throughout Highland State Recreation Area, there are plans for much more, through the assistance of Oakland County Planning & Economic Development. These plans include trail links, interpretive displays of both the landscape and history, benches, and much more.