Jo Daviess County High Point Trip Report

Charles Mound (1,235 ft)

Date: August 2, 2003
Author: Ron Tagliapietra

Back in 1978, this was my first state hp, but I repeated it at the 2003 convention. Since it is privately owned, it should be visited only when the owners permit. Currently, they permit visits on the first weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in each of four months: June, July, August, and September. Please go only on these dates.

From Galena, IL, go north and east on Stagecoach Road (CR 3) for about 12 miles to the Elizabeth-Scales Mound Road (CR 4). Follow the sign to the left for a half mile to reach the town of Scales Mound. Continue north through town (watching the U curve at the railroad tracks) another 0.5 mile to Charles Mound Road. Turn right (east) and drive 1.3 miles (the road turns north from 0.5 to 1.0 mile) to a gated gravel road on your left. This gate will be open on the 8 open days each year. Drive north through the gate and continue a mile to a signed parking area near an old farmhouse.

Walk the last 0.1 mile (85 feet of gain) on the gravel road to the sign at the summit. The road continues about 100 yards to the owner's new residence, but there is no need to go beyond the sign. Sign the register, checkout the benchmarks, and enjoy the view into Wisconsin (quarter mile straight ahead) and Iowa (20 miles to left).