Illinois County Highpoints - A Compendium by John Mitchler

Updated: 2/26/02

Date: November 11?, 2001

Author: Dick Ellsworth

Adams and Pike are really close to each other and the Owens family on the Adams Co HP will talk you *to death*. Make sure you've taken a leak before you drop in. They have an incredible hick twang, yet are quite informed and well traveled--the old grandfather has spent time in South America etc. etc. They'll show you the buffalo wallow on their property too...The "wimmen folk" just lurk on the sidelines, doing the wash...Really backwoodsey for Adams Co. Think they said they were from S Missouri or N Arkansas.

Authors: Jon Mann and Ken Oeser

These two nearby areas on Bass Hill are easily combined with Pulaski County. From the northern Pulaski area, continue west on Lake Road for 1.9 miles to IL 127, at the small town of Mill Creek. Turn south on IL 127 for 3/10 mile to the Union/Alexander County Line. Turn right (west) on County Line Road. Follow County Line Road for 2.1 miles to Whitney Hollow Road. Turn left (south) on Whitney Hollow Road, following the good gravel road for 2.3 miles to Bass Hill Road (which is shown as a double dotted road on the topo). The Bass Hill Road is gated right after the junction, and the road signs were knocked down. There were two locals parked at the gate who said that a mining company had put the gate up to keep hunters out, but they went back there all the time. The northern most area is on Forest Service land, and I have placed a call to the Shawnee National Forest asking if the road should be gated, or if there should be public access. The road goes to the site of the long gone Bass Hill lookout tower. Ken and I hiked up the road (which would be easily driveable by a sedan) for 1/2 mile to the first area, which has a radio tower next to it. The solid road shown on the topo doesn't exist (or faintly does) anymore. The high area is open field. We then followed the road 1/4 north to the second area, which is encircled by the road. The highest area is in an overgrown bramble that cover the footings of the lookout tower. Ken's altimeter showed this area to be about 10' higher than the radio tower area.

The route described in my trip report passes thru private land. If you go on a weekend, you are not likely to encounter anyone from the mining company that owns the land, and locals told Ken and I that they use the area – the mining company just doesn't want hunters on the property. The other access road shown on the topo also passes thru private land. The only way to access the highpoint, which is on National Forest land (the northern area of the two is on NF, and is the highest of the two areas), and stay fully on NF land the entire route, is to hike cross-country from the county road that is 3/4 mile to the north.

Date: May 12, 2001
Author: Jon Mann

The cornfield area is near the Snow Cemetary. It is about 200 feet ESE of the cemetary. The highest area is 5-10 feet higher than the highest area in the cemetary.

Date: September 16, 2001
Author: Tim Worth

Jon Mann gives a nice description of the first Bond county highpoint, a Greenville College student residence. After visiting this I decided to try to finish off the county by grabbing the second highpoint, in the extreme northern section of the county, along a rural cemetery.

From Greenville, travel north on Beaumont Road which will turn into Red Ball Road after an intersection with IL140. Continue north approximately 9 [8] miles on Red Ball until you reach Snow Cemetery Road [CR 1875N]. Make a right (east) onto Snow Cemetery Road and continue for approximately 1.5 [2.7] miles where you will reach a mowed grass path on the left (north) side of the road, with a locked [chained with no lock] gate and a "Snow Cemetery" sign. If you reach Durr Cemetery Road, you have gone too far. Keep your eyes open, I missed Snow Cemetery before eventually finding the gate.

Hop the gate and walk a quarter mile to the cemetery. The southeast corner of the cemetery lot is shown to be just outside the highest contour on the topo. It appears to be the highest point, with the mature corn crops seemingly at the same elevation. I can't be certain until the corn is harvested. So I'll chalk it up as a maybe for now. (In December) I had to go back and redo this one, as the high area is actually just SW of Snow Cemetary in a corn field.

Date: 12/28/01

Author: John Mitchler

I followed the writeups of Jon and Tim. Notes: Take Red Ball Road 8 miles north from IL140. Then go 2.7 miles east on Snow Cemetary Road (CR 1875N) to the cemetary. The iron gate is chained but not locked. I found a small flashlight on the road near the gate. Is it Tim's?

Date: April 21, 2001
Author: Jobe Wymore

From the center of the small town of Bradford head east on 200N. Now, 200N is not signed at the intersection but after a short ways on it the sign will appear. Hit the odometer and after 3.9 miles a Gray Church and 1425E will appear. Turn north (left) on 1425E keeping the odometer rolling and at 7.7 turn right on 600N right after 1425E begins a westward curve. After only 0.6 miles down 600N turn left onto 1475E. Travel only 0.3 of a mile to a white house on your right (east). This is the home owned by Gary Browkaw and he had absolutely no problem with me walking out to the 955+ area on his property. Very nice guy. The rise on his land, about 1/4 of a mile to the NE of his home, is obvious. He uses a "no till" method to his farming so walking across his corn field is really easy with no soft dirt to contend with. Says that it costs to much in gas and time to till the ground.

Now for the second area: From the front yard of Gary's house continue north on 1475E for less than a mile until the road "T's" into 700N. Turn left and quickly 1500E will appear on your left. Turn left and drive just a short ways until the road crests. A slim green telephone box on the right side of the road marks the spot and a communications tower will be about 100 feet away a little bit below you. The 955+ foot contour is immediately off to the West in a corn field (again): VERY obvious and definitely higher than anything close by.

But there are big plans for the area and surely the windmills will alter at least one of the spots if not both. Might want to get this one before change hits this wonderful area with nice, moderate views.

Date: December 23, 2001

Aurhor: John Mitchler

Happiness is . . . . going to a highpoint after Jobe Wymore has been there. Not only was his trip report helpful, but the owner had a good impression of highpointers after his earlier meeting with our good ambassador Jobe. In fact, Gary suggested I just drive to the highpoint (the corn was harvested and the ground was frozen). So I did. The highest point seems to be near the fence at the northern part of the area. If it weren't for the second small area, I could have claimed a Martinization of this county. Jobe described an approach from the south. If coming from the west in Kewanee, find Kentville Road (not Coles St.) off US34 in northeast Kewanee, just south of the railroad underpass. This road is also CR24 and is a good paved road. Go east. At 11.6 miles cross IL40. At mile 16.6 cross Wyanet-Walnut Road. At mile 17.4, turn right (south) on CR 1475E and go 0.7 m. to Gary's farmhouse. From the north, take Exit 56 on I-80, go 1.8 m. south on IL26 to US34, go 6.7 m. to west side of Wyanet to the Wyanet-Walnut Road. Turn left (south) and go 8 miles to Kentville Road and turn left (east) to get to CR 1475E described above.

Date: December 27, 2001

Authors: Jon Mann and John Mitchler

Mighty Calhoun with its 63 areas will make the sturdiest cohper weep and slay the weaker. Jon Mann best described it as, "This county is really just one long ridge." Situated between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, this snout of a county is in southwestern Illinois. The intimidating number of areas may not be so bad though. The ridge is easily accessed and from what we could tell, all areas are either cropland or orchard. In fact, after we visited all 17 of the "northern" areas, we virtually drove over many of the rest, scouting for a future visit. Our hope of hopes was to find that the small round contour in section 9 was 820' thus boiling down Calhoun from 63 candidates to just 1. But our hopes were dashed when we drove up to the site and discovered a water filled depression there.

To do Calhoun, drive to the scenic river hamlet of Hardin on the west bank of the Illinois River. Heading west on the river's bridge, zero your odometer at the county line, Make a left (south) at the bridge's end, then after 0.4 miles make a right (west) onto Main Street at the four way stop sign. Follow the road as it gains elevation to the west to Kingtown Hill. Turn left (south) at mile 1.7 onto Pullman Road and proceed to mile 2.6. Veer left (south) on a blacktop road that will lead to the 17 "northern" areas. I have numbered the areas north to south, from 1 to 63, and will refer to them as such. When following these directions, use the topo as we did not write down many mileages.

Off of Pullman Road, go south a quarter mile to the first private drive on your right (west). The owners' house is off to the right of this drive. Area 3 is in a field south of the house. Area 2 is further down the drive at a new metal shed near the non-existant Snider BM. Area 3 is accessed by following the driveway west as it turns into a grassy access lane. Area 3 is in a crop field surrounded by woods.

Continue south on the county blacktop, and visit the 3 areas that are along the road within a half-mile of Pullman Road. Areas 4 & 6 are on your left (east). Area 5 is on your right (west) and in an enclosed barnyard. Nobody was home at this location.

Continue south. After about a mile park your car just south of the spot elevation 795 (on the topo). Two areas (7 & 8) are off to the right (west) and are gained by a potentially muddy walk through crop fields. Area 8 is a small grassy rise, and area 7 is a mowed area around a new cabin at the end of the ridge. Surrounded by pine, the views west are outstanding. What a lovely venue.

Continue south on the blacktop. At mile 1.2 from Pullman Road you come to the crux of Calhoun. The house at the end of the road has been demolished and a new one stands southwest of the old one and southwest of a pond that appears on the topo. This pond has been filled in. The enclosed contour just east of the house on the topo is a depression. Locating this is important. Look for a very large mature tree, and a field access road at its north side to the left (east) of the road. Park. Walk east along this road as it passes the depression and leads into an apple orchard. High ground (area 12) appears to be just east of the depression among the apple trees. Continue walking east on this two-track lane as it follows the ridge top. If you are as lucky as we were, the local hound dog will accompany you with wagging tail. Your route will follow both road & ridge, first to the northeast and then to the south. Remain high and you will walk right across areas 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 as you go the end of the ridge. This ridge is covered with an apple orchard which is not shown on the topo. The hunting blinds indicate heavy activity during deer season so plan accordingly.

Return to the depression. Continue south on the road. It has been newly paved. Approximately 100' southeast of the new house is a significant rise (area 11). This clearing was used to store freshly cut logs when we were there. The owner of the house was quite friendly (typical Illini) and gave us plenty of history and detail about the area.

Continue on the road which is now quite narrow and bends to the right (west) to follow the ridge top. A water tower is located just north of the "9" on the topo map, but does not appear on the topo itself. This is area 10 and can be walked. Drive to the water tower.

Continue west on the road to the end of the ridge and area 9. There is a loop in the road as it winds its way through a private picnic area and campground. You have now finished the northern 17 areas; return back north to Pullman Road. Jon and I have identified access to the 23 "middle" areas (using Franklin Hill road), and the 23 "southern" areas (also using Franklin Hill road).

The above only describes 17 areas. When we eventually finish all 63, the trip report should rival War and Peace in length. If you wish to get a copy of my topo map with the areas numbered, feel free to contact me.

Date: November 23, 2001

Author: Jon Mann, Stephanie Mann

Heading west on IL 72 to Carroll/Ogle county line. Continue on 72 for 1 mile, turn south on Gold Mine Rd. Follow Gold Mine Road south for 3 miles to Locust Road, turn west, after 1 mile turn north on Grange Road. I parked along the road 3/10 mile north, and set out across the newly disced cornfield, which made for rough going. The hike to the 1st High Area is approx 4/10 mile. From there, go roughly north on the ridge (still field) to the second area 3/10 mile away. IMHO, the first area is the highest. I would be interested in opinions from others who have done this county.

Date: December 27, 2000
Author: John Mitchler

In east-central Illinois, this single area is northwest of Champaign along the interstate at a radio tower. Between Champaign and Mahomet, take Exit 174 off I-74, Pairieview Road. Go south for a hundred feet to a stoplight at US150, noting the McDonalds to your right (sitting all by itself in the farm country). Turn left (east) on US150 and go 2.6 miles to Lindsey Road and turn left (north). If you go too far, you'll see the Grandview Cemetery on your left. Go 1.1 miles north on Lindsey Road, crossing over I-74. Turn right (east) on Gold Finch Road which is not on the topo. The road on the topo that goes to the south side of the radio tower is no longer used. Instead, drive Gold Finch 0.3 miles to the tower access road on your right (south). The well-groomed land around the tower makes it easy to identify the highest land.

The BM (Bellinger 1934) is located to the right (west) of the access road and is buried six inches into the prairie sod. A wooden stake marks it. This cohp is located on Yankee Ridge, a moraine of the Wisconsin glaciation which smoothed out the already flat Illinois landscape. I took a map of Illinois which shows glacial moraines and I plotted the IL cohp's on it. There is some interesting correlation, obviously.

Date: June 3, 2001
Author: Jon Mann

This beautiful Illinois highpoint sits in the Rosamond Grove Cemetery, rising over 125 feet above the surrounding countryside. The top is covered in grass, with no graves near the top. The hill is topped by a very large (total height around 20') statue of Abraham Lincoln, with the granite based carved with a quote from the Gettysburg Address, and a dedication to all Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. I wonder how many county highpoints are topped with a statue?

From the small town of Rosamond on IL 16, 4 miles west of Pana: Turn south on Walnut Street (also marked Stringtown Road - there is also a sign for the Rosamond Grove Cemetery). Follow the road south for 9/10 mile to cemetery on the left. The cemetery is gated, but open from sunrise to sunset. Follow road to the top circle, park, and walk up grassy area to statue. Enjoy the nice views, especially to the east/southeast.

WARNING: Many country roads in central Illinois have unmarked intersections - i.e. two roads cross, with neither marked to stop or yield. When the corn is low, you can easily see approaching vehicles, but when the corn is high, you can not - please approach any junctions (usually every mile) with extreme caution.

Date: July 2, 2001
Author: John Mitchler

Jon Mann's report is great. This cohp is sublime, a real gem, a public gimme.

General Approach: From I-72 & US 51, west of Decatur, take Exit 133B and go 36 miles south on US 51 to Pana. From US 51 & IL 16 in Pana, go west on IL 16 (2nd Street) for 4.3 miles to Rosamond Road.

Date: July 2, 2001
Author: John Mitchler

This high ground is located at the edge of the small town of Westfield in east central Illinois. The owners were not home and it was not much effort to cross the mowed lawns.

At the east side of Charleston, find the stoplight intersection of IL 16 & IL 130 (18th Street). Go south on IL 130 crossing the Ebarrass River at Lake Charleston. After 3.8 miles, turn right (east) on CR 5 (480N) and go 6.9 miles east to Westfield. Along the way the road makes a jog and turns into CR 32 (500N). Once you reach Westfield, make a left (north) on S. Division St. and then take the first left, Mulberry Street. Drive to the house at the end, 615 W. Mulberry St., the Hacker's. The land here levels higher than the land farther to the northeast.

I drove back out to S. Division St. and up north two houses to a nice big blue wood frame house. The backyard levels slightly higher than the house on Mulberry. I suspect that the highest land is near this big blue home, not the Hacker's home.

Note: When in this area, be sure to visit two of the HP's of Coles Co. just north of Westfield and just west of Westfield. There are additional areas in Coles County but you might as well grab these two when you are there. But don't go during high corn days like I did!

Date: December 28, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

This single area HP is on cropland tucked well off the highway, and provides a nice IL cohping experience. Take Exit 82 off I-70 at Altamont. Turn left (south) on 300th Street and zero the odometer. At mile 9.1 cross the county line where the road becomes CR 28. At mile 12.6 cross I-57. At mile 14 come to IL 37 and turn right to reach Farina after 0.7 miles. In Farina, take Monroe Street, south of the grain bins. Cross the tracks and go several blocks to the southeast side of town. Take a left on blacktop Jennie Haley Drive. Go 4.9 miles to a crest in the ridge, just before the Clay-Marion county line. Go left (northeast) on a field access road. This dirt road winds through a field and weaves among treelines for 0.5 miles to the highpoint rise. A survey sign is by a lone tree in the field, but the BM could not be located. A triangulation marker lies uprooted in a nearby clump of brush south of the BM sign, and reads: Holhauzen No. 2 1960, No. 6 1976.

Date: January 17, 2002

Author: Tim Worth

Use John Mitchler's report. I parked the car at a small creek crossing shown on the topo, and hiked up the remaining quarter mile to the HP. Note that the high contour is actually just to the northeast of the survey marker sign.

Date: May 12, 2001
Author: Jon Mann

This Kaskaskia River bluff area, known as the Pelican Pouch, threw me for a big loop. I believe I got both areas, but would not be 100% surprised if I missed one. I had originally thought that one spot was the second area, but in the field, I noticed that to my horror, it was only 590+. I did some searching, and went up every high area I could find. Later, double checking the very confusing topo, I believe that I did get the second area.

Head south on IL 127 from Carlyle. Turn right at the Carlyle Lake GC (about 1.3 miles south of US 50), on Slant Road (also signed pointing to BSA camp). Road will curve at 2.5 [2.3] miles. At 3.2 [3.0] miles, turn left on 1100 N, to Royal Lake. Proceed on road for 2.1 [1.5] miles to Pelican Rd (Pollman Rd). The road will make a sharp right 2/10 mile from 1100N. At Pelican Rd, to reach the first area, turn right for 1/4 mile or so - high area is to the right (north) in small hay field.

Turn around, and head east, past Royal Lake Rd. Road will make sharp turn to right, and a private, posted road will head off on the left. Park on the main road a little ways from the posted road, and head into the unposted woods on the left (paralleling the private road. The highpoint will be in the woods after approximately 2/10 mile.

NOTE: I would like to go back in the winter (when there are no leaves) to oth Clinton and Mason counties to reconfirm I did in fact reach the highest points. I believe I did, but on the bluffs, if is hard to tell sometimes.

Date: December 28, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

I followed Jon's trip report but needed to follow the topo as some of the mileages seemed a bit off. Perhaps it might be easier (though longer) to simply to follow IL 127 south of Carlyle and take IL 161 west to Royal Lake Road. The west HP area lies on a grassy rise along the county road. The east HP area is a distinct rise in the woods. Although heavily posted as Jon describes, I parked along the road to the west area. A local resident stopped me and this led to a most amazing discussion about the area and me being invited to his cabin (immediately east of the HP area at the base of the cliff). Here I enjoyed a beer as he and his friends built a bonfire at an old resort he bought. The simming pond is on the topo, just north of "500" east of the HP area. He knew that there were two areas and claimed the mound on the east area is of Indian origin. He liked my idea to contact a local vocational college and have the survey students measure both areas as some sort of class assignment. I am most welcome to return here.

Date: October 31, 2001

Author: Tim Worth

These cohps are 6 for 6, that is, each high area is located in a corn field.

The first two areas are just west of the Clark cohp in Westfield, IL. Pass into Coles county by traveling west on Westfield road. At the county line, there is an overgrown road to the left(south), just before a the S-shaped curve in the main road. Drive to the top of the small bump. The two HPs are obvious: The first is just north of the farmhouse foundation, the second is ~80 yds. to the west of the foundation.

The third area is ~1.5 miles to the north of the first two areas. Take 500N west, turn north on 2400E. A bulldozer was blocking 2400E when I was there, forcing me to go another mile west to 2300E. Get to 600N, turn right(east) towards the county line. Hit the T intersection, make a left, and you are at Otterbein Cemetary. I noticed a number of old gravestones, some dating back to the 1830's. The HP is a ridge behind the cemetary, to the west, in a field.

Area four is south of area three. Take 600N west, make a left(south at 2300N) Pass a junkyard/car dealership, continue south until you reach 380N, also called Harvest Road. Make a right(west) to the farmhouse and barns. This farm featured cows, horses, and dogs, but I could not find the owner for permission. I drove to the end of the now dirt road past some old farm equipment. The HP was a small ridge in the cornfield, maybe 50 yards to the northwest of the dead end. I jogged to the top, then retreated to my car to finish the county.

The last two areas are on the other side of the county. Take state route 16 west, passing through Charleston. Make a left(south) at the first intersection(875E?) before reaching I-57. Make a left(west) at Old State road, pass over the interstate, then pass a ritzy neighboorhood to the left. Turn left at the next major road(unmarked). Again go over the interstate, pass a road to your left until you reach a water tower, also on your left. The high countour encompasses this entire area, it appeared to be one of the flatest cohps I have visited. I estimated the HP to be in a field just to the south of the water tower. From the water tower, take the westbound road over the interstate. The high area is to the left(south), before you reach the first house. This cornfield had not been harvested, so I trudged through the stalks to the high contour.

Date: October 18, 2000
Author: Roy Wallen

From Route 62 east of Carpentersville take Helm Road to the west to the intersection of Roundstone Lane. Turn left (south) onto Roundstone and proceed to the end. This is a new road with lots which are for sale or already sold so it's a matter of time before access is restricted by this route. Near the end of Roundstone Lane a jeep road goes off to the right (roughly west, then south). I was able to follow this in a 2WD high- clearance vehicle for 0.2 mile under the power line. There is a knob to the left (east) which is the highpoint. It seemed like a good place for a benchmark as it is reasonably prominent in this flat terrain, but none is noted on the map nor could I find one.

Date: 6/3/2001

Author: Jon Mann

1 area, 640'+

This small high area is in, what else, a cornfield! From the junction of IL 33 and IL 1, 2 miles east of Robinson (home of two inds of black gold - an enormous oil refinery, and a very large Hershey's chocolate factory - kind of makes you wonder if there is some kind of connection.....). Turn south on IL 1, proceed for 5.5 miles to CR 450N. Turn right (west) on 450 N 1.5 miles to 1250E. Turn north on 1250E 1/2 mile (turns to gravel) to 500N. Road curves here, going east on 500 N is only way you can go. High area is in cornfield to the right (south) of 500 N. I parked in the drive to a large blue water tower, complete with smiley face. There are two mobile homes next to the tower, but it was dinner time, so I didn't bother them - just hoofed it thru the corn to the high ground.

Date: July 2, 2001
Author: John Mitchler

This county's high ground is located at a single house at the east edge of Janesville in the flat farmland of east central Illinois. From its lofty height you can see all the way across the nearby cornfield.

On the south edge of Charleston, find the intersection of IL 16 and 4th Street. Take 4th Street south. It becomes the Lincoln Highway Road. Go about 8 miles to the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historical Site. (Tour it. It's unique because the recreated site is populated with actors portraying old tyme pioneers.) After you leave this site, go north a half mile on Lincoln Highway Road and turn left (west) for 2.0 miles to CR 1200E. Turn left (south) and go a mile to CR 000N. Turn left (east) and enter Janesville. Go 0.5 miles to the outskirts of town and a nice home on the right (south).

We had a long friendly chat with the husband/wife owners. He had heard that the highest land was southeast near Casey (prounounce Kay-zee), and was pleased to learn of his prominent position in the county. The HP appears to be in the front yard.

From the south, Janesville is 7 miles north of IL 121 at Toledo.

Date: February 9, 2002
Author: Tim Worth
11 areas 810+

Andy's book lists 12 areas, but 1 of these is a spillover shown on both quads, thus there are 11 total areas of interest. They are layed out as follows:

1 in (20)
9 in (21)
1 in (15)

In the field I was able to cut the number of areas down from 11 to 5. There is very little relief to any of these areas. A hand level was a vital peice of equipment.

Directions: From Champaign, take I-74 NW, exit at US136 south of LeRoy. Take US136 west until you hit 2000E, head south to the Dewitt/McLean county line where the road changes to 1400E. Continue a mile south to 1500N, then go another half mile to an obvious ridge which is the location of the 811 spot elevation. Look for posts (indicating the fenceline) on each side of the road. I arrived just at daybreak.

Areas 1-10 are in corn and oil fields, desolate and empty this winter morning. Area 1 is in sec. 20, to the west, beyond an old water pump. It is much lower than area 2, the site of the spot elevation. Area 3 is just to the south on a rise in the road, with an oil rig to the east. It's close, but levelled lower than area #2.

Areas 4,5,6,7 are in the field directly to the east. I've marked 4,5,and 7 as the smallish areas running from NW to SE, area 6 is the slightly larger contour that touches the (21) on the topo. I found 4 and 7 to be lower, 5 was close but lower, and 6 was inconclusive, all compared to area 2.

Drove south to 1400N, then made a left(east). There are oil drills on each side, the third rig on the left is at the end of a gravel road which is at the edge of another high countour, I've marked as #8. The HP is north in the field. Area 9 is to the east, and levelled lower than #8. Area 10 is inline with a group of houses on 1400N, to the NE of #9. Look for a post in the field. #10 was higher than #9 but I couldn't ascertain an elevation difference with respect to #8.

Area 11 is in sec. 15. - SW of two barns at the end of a dirt road in a field. Obvious. Need a professional survey to compare to the others.

After all the dust settled, areas 2, 6, 8, 10, and 11 remain as candidates. I'd be interested in future cohpers observations.

Walked ~1.5 miles total in the fields and took 2 hours.

Topo of all 11 areas

Date: January 17, 2002
Author: Tim Worth
10 areas 723+

Though this county does have 10 areas to visit, it took less than 2 hours to complete. These remote, non-descript high areas consist of a clump of 4 points, and a clump of 6 points a couple miles to the east. Expect to cover a lot of ground on foot in the farmfields.

This county provied a good opportunity to improve my hand levelling skills. I'm a bit of a novice as far as levelling goes, so despite my observations, I'd still suggest visiting all 10 areas to claim the county until my field checks can be confirmed by another cohper.

Trivia: The IL Geological Survey website listed on the cohp.org Illinois page has Douglas county ranked as the flattest county in Illinois in terms of percent slope and average relief.

Areas 1-4
13-16N-10E
I numbered these areas from west to east, with area 4 being the smallest contour of the four, south of the large contour(area 3). From my home in Champaign, I took IL 130 south to Villa Grove, then headed east on 1450N for seven miles to 2350E. From here I made a right(south) on 2350, continued for a mile where the road turns to dirt, continued for ~.7 miles to a crop line on the left(east) dividing soybeans and corn crops. The four areas are in the corn part of the field, as layed out in the topo. Areas 1 and 3 levelled the highest, with area 2 being much lower and area 4 being very close.
Topo

Areas 5-10
4/5/9-16N-14W

From areas 1-4, I went west on 1250N for ~2.5 miles then north on 2580E, passing a cemetary on the left(west) and then making a right (east) on 1425N. After a little over a mile, go north on 2680E, pass an unusual looking brown house(numbered 1450) on the left(west). Areas 5-9 are in the field to the right(east), I've numbered them from west to east. Area #5 is actually right on the road north of the brown house at a crest in the gentle ridge. #6, and #7 are in the bare soybean field - #7 (the largest contour to the south) levelled slighly higher than either #5 or #6. Areas #8 and #9 are in a corn field to the east - #8 is to the south by the fenceline - it levelled higher then #9 and equal to #7.

To get to area #10, hike back to your car and drive south back to 1450N, make a left(east). Pass Pleasent Ridge Cemetary, go up a gentle ridge to some houses on the left(north). This is the high contour. I got up and looked around a bit, but I'd say driving over(with foot drag of course!) is enough to claim the point.
Topo

DuPage

Date: October 18, 2000

Photograph
Topo Chart

Effingham
Date: June 3, 2001

From I-70, take the Altamont exit (IL 128). Turn north on 128, past the still open Stuckeys, a half-mile to US 40. Turn left on US 40 1 mile to CR 200 E [200^th St.]. Turn right (north) on 200E. In one mile, you will see a farmhouse with many outbuildings, and a white picket-style fence. This is the farm of Kenny Schumacher, who owns the highpoint. Go past the house to CR 1100 N, turn left (west) 1/2 mile. There is a small green house on the left – I asked permission originally here, the man that answered the door is the father of the house owner. He didn't think the owner would mind going up there, and pointed out a grass right of way that goes on the west side of the house. I drove my SUV most of the way up, then stepped carefully over the foot-high corn to the high area, then walked up and down a few rows. No sign of the benchmark - probably long plowed under. Topo chart

Date: Dec 4, 2001

Author: Tim Worth

Use the posted trip report for directions. I approached this one from the east, hiking about a quarter of a mile west through cornfields from CR200 E. This was my first night(pre-dawn) cohp.

Date December 28, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

I used Jon Mann's excellent report and have this to add: The exit off I-70 is Exit 82, and CR 200E is signed as 200th St. The drive up the grassy lane is 0.3 miles. This lane is off the county road immediately west of the driveway of the house. Just 30 feet east of the end of this grassy lane is a triangulation marker: Mound 1883, and another one is located at the base of the "stubby tree" and is marked Mound 3 1883. I spoke to Kenny who was very nice. He knew it was the HP and had a debate with other farmers if it was higher than Fayette County. I gave him a copy of the IL list. He rents the HP land to farm. To honor the Stuckey's which Jon Mann mentions, I bought a pecan log roll.

Author: Jon Mann

Date: December 27, 2000
Author: John Mitchler

This county has 3 candidate areas, although I suspect the one in Section 1 is highest. Located in east- central Illinois, these areas are in fields so don't attempt them when they're freshly planted or when mature crops make travel difficult.

From Sibley, go south on IL47, passing Melvin Road at 0.7 miles and reaching CR 1100N at 1.7 miles. Turn left (east) and cross the railroad tracks which parallel IL47. Just after crossing CR 500E, there is a driveway on the left (north) which is 1.25 miles from IL47. Turn into the farm complex. If you continued further, you'd reach a radio tower alongside the county road at mile 1.5. This farm has hog barns to the north of the farmhouse. I spoke to Cathy Thompson and her husband. They knew that the county's HP was the rise just northeast of the farmhouse because his grandfather was on the Soil Conservation Board and knew about land elevations. They gave me permission to walk the snow-covered cornfield to the rise which I did by striking out northeast from the hog barns. I gained about 10 feet and had a good view from the top. The farmhouse is also on a slight rise and appears high too. The east-west center line of the section is a barb wire fence.

The other two minor areas of this cohp are easy to reach. From the intersection of IL47 and IL9 in Gibson City, go west on IL9 for 3.9 miles to the Ford-Mclean county line. Turn left (south) on CR 4200E. The first area is a ridge just 0.2 miles south and the second area is 0.3 miles south. Hand-leveling indicates they are the same elevation. They are both on the left (east) side of the road as Mclean Co. is to the right (west).

Author: Tim Worth

From Harrisburg, take IL 34 N/NW ~21 miles to the few houses which make up the town of West End. Past West End, make a right(north) on 000E(Macedonia Road), which is the Hamilton/Franklin County line. The HP can be approached from the east or the west. For the east approach, continue north on Macedonia road ~6 miles until you get to an obvious high area with the AKIN water tower on top. Shortly after raching the intersection of 250N(?) on the right(east), there will be a muddy lane on the left(west) which leads to the high area. This is shown on the topo as a road, but its more like a grass lane which is partially in someones front yard. I decided to approached the HP from the west instead, as I could not find the land owner on the east side. From Macedonia Road heading south of the water tower, make a right(west) at the first right which I think is unmarked, then after some zig/zagging turn right(north) at Hoover Road. Go north ~3 miles until you hit Shleton road, make! a! right(east). Shelton Road dead ends at a small house on the right. My previous visit here, two dogs hassled me while trying to get to the HP. This time the dogs were calm and the owner was around, Delores Maynus, and she gave me permission to walk the dirt road to the high area, which is ~.4 miles south of the house. The HP is actually on property adjacent to hers. She mentioned the property owner lives in Marion, IL, but probably wouldn’t mind me looking around. Pass some old tractors on the left, and pull up to a red gate. Hop the gate and walk the short distance south through a forested area. The high area is at the sharp right turn in the road, in a field full of clover-like plants. The HP does appear to be at the edge of the road at the 604 spot elevation.

Date: November 15, 2001

Author: Dick Ellsworth

A tricky one to find all the HPs, i did this one on Nov 15 at the end of the day. The HPs begin with HP1 right in Farmington. At the intersections of the main drags in Farmington drive east on E Fort Street. Turn left (north) on N Brebner St at 0.7 M and go a block to E Stone St. (You'll see the water towers on the north side of the road - they're above HP1) Anyway turn left (west) on Stone and continue to Hedden (Pedden? can't read my writing now!) Park here, you are at the tower that is built on HP1 - if this is confusing, don't sweat it, it's obvious when you are standing there! I walked around the fence of the tower that sits at Stone and Hedden and was pretty sure i'd touched high ground.

Now, for the others...go back to the main drag intersection and continue west through the crossing. At 0.3 M turn left (south) on S Fairview Road and zero odometer. You'll see Oak Ridge Cemetery on the east and RR tracks on the west side of the road if you are on target. At 1.0 M cross over the RR tracks. At 1.7 M, signed CO 24, stay on the main blacktop. At 4.0 M turn left (south) on CO 39. At approx 0.6 M from intersection you'll see a house on the left side of the road with some really neat windmills in the yard. The mailbox says "32205." Turn in here, HP2 is in their back yard. I spoke with Karen for permission – she seemed kinda edgy, probably thought i was some kind of mental escapee. But walked to the mound - think you'll see it then got back in my car after I thanked her. She thought Mt Piscah near Ellisville was the HP. I have never checked this out. HP3 was a foot dragger about 0.5 M from the mailbox and before the AT&T microwave tower. I walked around the tower for some reason, wasting precious light. The tower is 1.2 M from the mailbox, if you've gone that far w/o dragging your foot, GO BACK. The last HP is probably the highest of the three. Fading light and no hand level made it tough to tell for sure. At 1.8 M from the 32205 mailbox there is a fence row going west into the field. I walked out into the field and did a grid there for 15 min. Then back to car and drove to intersection of CO 39 and CO 17 (the E-W road on the map with the industrial waste pond). I turned west on CO 17 and drove 1/2 M to Coal Road, there's a radio tower on the south side of the road before the turn. Turned right (north) and about 0.4 M north i parked and followed another fence out east into the field. Mumbled obscenities and watched the last fading light as i made another good faith effort...

You can follow CO 17 east to the HWY 78; it is about 2 miles to get there. You'll pass Norris about 0.3 M before 78. It's a faster way to get back on your journey to wherever you are going next. Where CO 17 hits 78 it's called E Division Street.

Date: October 18, 2000
Author: Roy Wallen

From the intersection of Routes 47 and 52, proceed west on 52 to County Line Road on the LaSalle County line. Proceed south to White Willow Road then another 0.5 mile to the tri-corner point where Kendall, Grundy, and LaSalle counties meet.

From here, I walked south along County Line Road to make sure I got the highpoint in that direction. Then I returned to the tri-point and walked east along the fence line to make sure I got the highpoint in that direction. Approximately 3/4 mile to the east of the tri-point is a round knoll in the middle of the corn field that appears to be the highest point of the group.

Doing this highpoint before corn harvest would be a challenge as the visibility would be much lower. In addition, it was easier walking the fence line in the corn stubble than in the tall grass along the fence.

Date: December 16, 2001

Author: Tim Worth

Date: June 7?, 2001

Author: Dick Ellsworth

Ahhh. This gets back into familiar territory, my grandmother taught school in Tioga in the 30s. If you are driving north out of Quincy on HWY 96 you'll pass Ursa, Marcelline, then Lima. Continue north on 96 as though you were going to Keokuk. You'll pass a sign for Tioga (signed "Tioga 2") at the Bethany United Church of Christ. This is by the Hancock Co 1M sign. Continue north until you see a "FS West Central" at the NE corner of the road. There is also a sign there for West Point. Turn right (east) here and drive approx 1.35 M to another right (south) turn on "820E". After a little over a mile you'll see the two HPs on the right (west) side of the road. They are across from the John Roskamp Farm. When i spoke with John on June 7th it was clear that he thought i had too much free time on my hands, but he shrugged his shoulders and said sure walk around. I went to both areas - they are really close to each other. As usual, was clueless which was higher. For a treat, continue driving south the two miles to Tioga - it's a trip back into Faulkner's 1930's south. You can turn west in Tioga to get back on HWY 96.

Date: January 27, 2002

Author: Tim Worth

I found HP1 was at the site of a 1-story red barn and a fat grain silo, just to the south of 250N, west of the farmhouse Dick mentions. HP2 to was just south of this in a cornfield. The area is fenced, but you can walk into the field from HP1, if your not in the mood to jump over barbed wire.
Topo

Date: November 11, 2001

Author: Dick Ellsworth

After leaving the post for Warren Co., continue west on 10 Ave. In 1/4 M the pavement gives way to gravel at 40th Street. Continue west on 10th. After one mile, at 30th Street, the gravel switches back to blacktop. After the next mile there is a left-hand curve traffic sign - continue west. At 3.8 M from the post you'll pass a wind generator on the right (north) side of the road. At 4.3 M you reach the (unsigned) county line. There are white posts with orange tops indicating a telephone corridor running N-S along the county line. The E-W street is signed 1st/10th Avenue. Drive an additional 1/2 M west on 10th Ave and park in the field road on the north side of the road. Walk approx 1/2 M north along the tree row (dividing the fields into half-sections). The HP is slightly shy of 1/2 M i think - my cousin and i wove in and out of the trees to cover the HP - all that good faith stuff...We saw a redtail hawk hunting while walking back to the car. About 10 min each way.

Date: December 23, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Located in northwest Illinois in rolling corn country, this multiple area highpoint really has one highest area just off a county road, west of Kewanee.

From the intersection of US34 and McClure Street in southern Kewanee, go west on McClure for 3 blocks to Beach St. Go north a block and then turn left (west) on Page Street. Go 1.0 mile and cross railroad tracks. After another 2.0 miles, turn right (north) on CR 2300E. After 0.3 miles, there's a jog in the road. One of the 6 areas lies to the right (east). The highest ground appears to be on the south edge of that area. It hand levels lower than the area to the north. Continue north on CR 2300E for another quarter mile to the highest rise in the road. Park. The highest land is on the right (east) a short distance off the road. There is also high ground to the west of the road, but hand leveling indicates the land to the east is higher than 1) the area west of the road, 2) the house in cen. sec. 36, 3) area in cen. sec. 35, and 4) area to the south. Hand leveling from the area west of the road indicates it is lower than east of the road but higher than areas to the north a! nd! west. Drive north on county road (note the unusual house near intersection of CR 2300E and CR 650N), and turn left (west) on CR 650N and go 0.3 miles to county road on the right (north). Park. Hand leveling indicates this is lower than areas to the south. Land is slightly higher 0.2 miles to the north along the county road but is still lower than large area to the south.

Date: June 2000
Author: John Mitchler

This remote hillock lies on a ridge of a glacial moraine in the flat corn-soybean farmland of east-central Illinois and is the site of an abandoned farmhouse. I reached this spot off IN 352 in Indiana. At the point where IN 352 turns south, keep going straight on a county road. After 1/2 mile a gas pipeline substation is on the right (north). After one mile, make a jog to the left (south) at the IL-IN state line. Continue west on CR 200N in Illinois. Go 1.5 miles to CR 3000E and turn right (north). Go 1/2 mile to the site of an abandoned homesite on the left (west). The farmhouse is gone. A tree and shed remain. This HP is typical of many Illinois counties because it is a hillock on the ridge of a glacial moraine which rises 75 feet above the flat countryside (a significant elevation difference in this country!). Enjoy the view. About the only thing of interest would be to try to count the farmhouses from this vantage point. If you're coming from the west, copy the topos ! fr! om Watseka. Or buy the IL DeLorme (a treasure for anyone's library!).

Date: June 3, 2001
Author: Jon Mann

The two small areas that make this highpoint are in the tiny crossroads of Island Grove, which consists of a Catholic Church, and a few houses. The majority of the high areas seem to have eroded away under the plow, leaving two very small unplowed high areas, near the church, and near a house.

Take Exit 105 on I-70 (Montrose exit). Turn south on the road (CR 2300E). Pass through Montrose, stay on 2300 E 4.5 miles from I-70. Just past St. Paul's Lutheran church, turn left (east) on CR 1300N. There is a sign to Island Grove.

CR 1300N jogs slightly to the south at the Jasper County Line, and becomes Jasper County Road 1700N. Island Grove is 2 miles east of the county line. St. Joseph's Catholic Church is on the southwest corner of 1700N and 200E. I parked here, and walked around a garage - the highest area was there. The field to the south was lower than the area around the church and garage. Across the street is the other area. Again, most of it is field, and lower than the church area. There is still a small higher area next to the first house north of the church. It is close, but I believe the church area is higher, but you should visit both.

Date: July 2, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Jon Mann's report is great. I hand-leveled both sites (the south area = the church, the north area = the house). The highest area appears to be at the church. It levels higher than the house. The house levels just slightly lower than the church. The crops interfered with leveling so I had to stand in a roadside ditch and do relative-leveling to both areas. Someone needs to do this in the winter when the crops are gone and you can lie down on top of each HP.

By the way, the church is St. Joseph's Catholic Church and was established in 1874. It towers above the flat countryside. As you approach, you can actually see the land rise of Island Grove, although this "town" isn't really much; just a few scattered homes.

Date: November 25, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

The five areas are on either side of IL 37 just south of the Marion County line. Go approx 2/10 mile south on IL 37, pull into white farmhouse on the eastside of the road. The owner of the house, a Ken Welker, only owns the land immediately surrounding his house, but said that the areas to the west of the highway would be no problem to visit, as the company that owns the land has no problem with people hiking/riding on them. Ken allowed me to park at his house while I attempted the three areas, plus the tiny area next to his house.

I crossed the road, and headed acrossed the fields to the northernmost area. The field had been harvested, but the stalks where still 1 foot high. The high area is about 3/10 mile to the west of the road, in the field. I walked around the field, and then headed to the small area to the southwest. The fenceline just south of the first high area has a few gaps that can be navigated. I crossed that field, crossing a wet area just south of the pond on the topo. The second area is also on a fenceline, at the edge of some trees. While the topo shows a fence line all the way thru the field, the tree line stops at approx the high area. I then backtracked to the road, and followed the field near the road south to the third area. Because of trees, I could not sight from one area to another. The forth area, which is near the farmhouse, is lower than the third area, and just into a field.

I then drove south to the next house on the east, a trailer with horsepens. The owner said it would be no problem to drive the grassy lane shown on the topo that stop just short of the fifth area. I navigated the rental car (famous for driving on Kentucky pastures) to the end of the lane, and then walked the remaining distance to high area, which is in an overgrown bean field.

Date: December 28,l 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Jon Mann's trip report was very helpful here. Thank you. Rather than bother the homeowner, I parked at the Zion Grove Cemetary and retraced Jon's route, and managed to find the tree-hidden pond in north half of sec. 2. I concur that the HP area is at the end of the treeline, perhaps out in the field. I walked among the trees anyway looking for higher ground. I too drove to the center of sec. 1 to the HP area which appears near the lane. I actually drove further than I needed to and clocked 0.5 miles from the HP back out to the highway (IL 37). To reach Dix (and IL 37) from I-57, take Exit 103 and go 0.7 miles east. At night, the tree fence lines gave the area a lonely remote feeling, although the whine of trucks on nearby I-57 was loud and obnoxious.

Date: December 24, 2000

Author: John Mitchler

In southwest Illinois just north of St. Louis, this beauty lies in Pere Marquette State Park along where the Illinois River enters the Mississippi River. This is the location where Pere entered Illinois (canoeing upstream on the mighty Missouri), thus becoming the first European to do so. A word to the wise: set aside some time for the drive from Alton to Grafton along the river. The rock palisades and the barge traffic are spellbinding and the river towns are scenic. To absorb this setting is what cohping is all about.

West of Grafton on IL100 (McAdams Hwy.), watch for a correctional center and then a monument commemorating Pere's journeys. Watch for Graham Hollow Road on your right (north) which is 17.4 miles from US67 in Alton. Follow this road through the hollow. At mile 1.2 there is a road to the left (west) that climbs the hill directly to the HP, but it was gated when I was there. I continued on for 2.3 miles to Liberty Ridge Rd. I turned left (west) and then immediately again left (south) through Gate 1 onto a paved park road. I followed this for 0.7 miles to another paved park road and made a left turn (south). This road was blocked and unplowed so I parked my car and walked a half mile south along the road to the HP. The HP is a knoll just west of the intersection of 3 paved park roads. The entire area is immature woods and the knoll only requires a 25' ascent. The southern half of the knoll has been whacked off for widening of the park roads.

There are two other possible HP areas of 886+ for Jersey and they lie just north of the park, along Liberty Ridge Rd, on a different topo. The park HP (900+) is on a normal topo and the other two HP's (886+) are on a metric topo. The first of these two areas is only a quarter mile north of the intersection of Graham Hollow Rd and Liberty Ridge Road. The highest land of this area is just south of the water tower. Owners of the house just north of the water tower (labeled Jersey Co. Rural Water) said they heard that the county HP was the second area farther east along Liberty Ridge. From the water tower I drove another half mile east and parked my car. The land appeared very high on the right (south) of the road in a cornfield that was isolated by stands of trees on all sides. I suspect that the true HP of this county is the knoll in the state park, but there's no way to tell so you have to visit all 3 areas.

Email: Jon Mann, 5.8.01

Date: October 17, 2000
Author: Roy Wallen

A mile west of the intersection of Route 47 and the Plato Road is one high area with a radio tower on it. It is noticeably higher than the 1055 spot elevation shown on the map. The area on the south side of the road has been graded and now includes a parking lot and series of buildings.

Going north on the Tower Road, another area of 1060+ is on the left (west) side.

The third area is where there is a benchmarked elevation of 1065. I talked with the owner who said the benchmark is buried under old debris from the location of a former farm house. I Lobdelized the area to make sure I got the highpoint, even though I didn't find the benchmark. The owner said he's working on an observatory in the abandoned silo and has been approached by astronomers to rent it out. He also said that you can see Chicago on a clear day (it wasn't), over 50 miles away to the southeast.

Date: 11.28.98.

Author: John Mitchler

There are 3 areas but casual sighting and hard-core handleveling indicates the northernmost area is the highest [therefore the only area needed to visit to count this county].

In the southern area, the highest ground is jsut SW of the tower, along Plato Road, across from the school.

I spoke with the lady in the house on the northern area and she invited me to search the woods for the BM. I found it covered with leaves and marked by three slats - it is at or below ground level and without the slats I never would've located it! It is north of the house [860 Tower Road] and north of the old cement foundation in the woods and just south of two big trees at the field's edge. The BM reads Plate 1954 and is not the highpoint. The HP is to the east nearer Tower Road.

Date: June 2000

Author: John Mitchler

This single hillock lies on the ridge of a glacial moraine in the flat corn-soybean farmland of east central Illinois and lies in a cornfield.

From I-57 take Exit 302 at Chebanse and go west. This road is First South St. and it crosses a railroad and merges with Chebanse Ave. Turn left (west) on Chebanse Ave. and drive out of town into the sea of corn where the road is known as CR 8000W. After a mile or two, turn right (north) onto CR 7000N (Lehigh Rd) and go one mile and turn left (west) onto 7000S. Go west for 1.5 miles and make a right (north) on CR 9000W. Go 1/4 mile and pull off the road. The hillock is a couple hundred feet to the east.

The corn has knee high on June 19th and could be problematic if any taller. After the HP, we drove to Pilot Hill at the intersection of CR 9000W and CR 6000S (3/4 miles north of the HP). There we met the farmers and visited awhile about their old stone farmhouse. The land is named Pilot Grove Farm after the oak grove on this hill.

Date: October 18, 2000
Author: Roy Wallen

From the intersection of Routes 71 and 47, proceed south to Legion Road, then west to its intersection with Highpoint Road. The highest area is on the northeast corner of this intersection. Appropriately, the highpoint appears to be at the witness post on Highpoint Road a few yards south of the intersection, although it is difficult to tell through the woods. The woods are fenced and posted on the west side but not on the south.

Date: October 17, 2000
Author: Roy Wallen

From the intersection of route 173 and Wilmot Road, just west of the McHenry County line, travel north to the sign for "Gander Mountain - Lake County Forest Preserve" and park on the right shoulder.

Walk generally east along the main track, used for bicycles and horses, in the direction of the towers for the Gander Mountain ski area (located in Wisconsin). Proceed over a rise and down into a lower area where you will see the ski area straight ahead and Gander Mountain (well, this is an Illinois mountain) to the right. Proceed up the track to the "summit" where you will find benchmark Hessean (markings are worn) 1935. Total distance from the road is about 1/3 mile.

Date: ?

Author: Jon Mann

This county makes a nice sidetrip with Lee county if you are traveling on I-39 in Central Illinois. Exit I-39 at the Paw Paw exit, head west on Chicago Road (the interchange). The Lee county highpoint is at the farmhouse (by a grain silo) at the corner of Chicago and Compton Roads( 2 1/2 miles west of the interstate). Continue on Chicago Road 1/2 mile to IL 251 (noted on the topo as US 51, which now follows I-39). Turn south on IL 251 for approx 8 miles to LaSalle county line. Pull into first house on the west, ask permission to walk into the field behind the house, which contains both areas. The first area is 1/10 mile behind the house. The second tiny, lower area is north, almost to the road that marks the LaSalle/Lee line. You can then continue on IL 251 to Mendota, and follow US 34 back to I-39.

Date: June 3, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

This small area is in the Red Hills State Park, and is accessible sunrise to sunset.

From the junction of US 50 and IL 1, just north of Lawrenceville (which has it's own refinery) turn west on US 50 for approximately 8 miles. Turn at sign for Red Hills State Park - North Area. Follow road 6/10 mile to first paved right. Follow road north 3/10 mile (approx.) to crest. There is a very strange looking small square limestone building, topped with a glass chapel.

The benchmark can be found next to a light pole next to the road in front of the chapel. The highest area appears to be on the road itself.

Date: July 2, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

One of the few gems in Illinois, this cohp is 1) in a state park, 2) is a driveup, 3) is surrounded by woods, 4) is on an actual 150' rise, and 5) has a unique feature on top.

Jon Mann's report is great and he isn't kidding when he refers to the building as strange. This multi-denominational church was established in 1943 for sunrise services and in 1946 a 12' wood cross on a 20' pole was installed and graced with light bulbs. In 1949, the cross was increased to 40' x 27'. Then in 1958, it was replaced by a neon monster measuring 48' x 27' that soars 90' into the air.

The BM has Red Hills 1968.

Date: November 24, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

This county makes a nice side trip with LaSalle County if you are traveling on I-39 in Central Illinois.

Exit I-39 at the Paw Paw exit, head west on Chicago Road (the interchange). The Lee County highpoint is at the farmhouse (by a grain silo) at the corner of Chicago and Compton Roads (2 1/2 miles west of the interstate).

Continue on Chicago Road 1/2 mile to IL 251 (noted on the topo as US 51, which now follows I-39). Turn south on IL 251 for approximately 8 miles to the LaSalle County line. Pull into first house on the west, ask permission to walk into the field behind the house, which contains both areas. The first area is 1/10 mile behind the house. The second tiny, lower area is north, almost to the road that marks the LaSalle/Lee line.

You can then continue on IL 251 to Mendota, and follow US 34 back to I-39.

Date: December 27, 2000

Author: John Mitchler

A farmhouse on a bump in the farmland is typical of many Illinois cohp's, and Livingston Co. in east-central Illinois is a good example of such.

A little more than 1 mile south of Strawn on IL47, watch for gravel CR 100N. Take this east, immediately crossing the railroad tracks which parallel IL47. Go 1.9 miles from IL47 passing 2800E and 2900E along the way. Turn left (north) onto a driveway signed "Fire #29655" but with no name. The farmhouse sits on a 40 ft rise about a quarter mile off the county road. Nobody was home when I was there. The house is sitting smack dab on the HP.

Date: January 7, 2002

Author: Tim Worth

Jon Mann informed me that the landowners on the southwest edge of Elkhart Hill had turned him away. I decided to approach from Elkhart cemetery, which is northeast of the two HPs.

To get to Elkhart cemetery, take I-55 south of Lincoln, exit at Elkhart, which is county route 10. County 10 will wind through Elkhart and eventually head directly east. At this point, the road goes over part of Elkhart Hill. Look for the cemetery entrance to the right (south), just before the road passes under an old concrete bridge. The cemetery is interesting, featuring a very old church and a plaque describing historical figures of the area.

A dirt road leads out of the cemetery to the HPs. It's pretty apparent, you'll see a steel gate with a wooden, rotten table/step stool along the side of the gate, and plenty of postings. Hike up less than a quarter mile and you are at the first area, a rise just off the trail to the right.

Author: Jon Mann

From I-72 north of Decatur: North on US 51 for 8.8 miles to Washington Street west of Maroa. Turn left on Washington St. (also signed as Macon 58), follow road 2.6 miles. I parked at the house on the north side of the road, and inquired as to ownership of the highpoint (which is in the cornfield to the south). I was told the man that owned the property lived in Clinton, IL (8 miles to the north), and that he would not mind if I hiked to the high spot. They let me keep my car in their drive while I made the 0.1 mile jaunt up the hill. With no crops on the field, and the snow mostly blown away from the high area (same could not be said for edges of hill), the high point was obvious - right in the middle of a cornfield!

Date: July 2, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

We used Jon Mann's report. I measured 2.8 miles versus his 2.6 on Washington Road. The house number is 3740 (nobody was home). The topo map shows a "fenceline" extending south from the house. There is no fence, however, the line separates two fields; soybeans to the east and 7-foot corn to the west.

Expanded directions from the north: From I-74, south of Bloomington, go south on US51 for 29 miles to Maroa (south of Clinton). Then go 2.8 miles west on Washington Street (CR58 or 2600N), passing Oakland Rd, Janvirn Rd, and Bearsdale Rd before coming to a house on the right (north) and the HP on the left (south).

General Comment: This rise is located in flat central Illinois farmland. Enough said.

Date: December 27, 2001

Authors: John Mitchler & Jon Mann

The attack on Macoupin has begun. Jon's previous scouting allowed me to nail 3 areas with him on Dec. 27th, and get a good idea of what will be required to finish this beast. While we were wandering around one of the areas, the owner pulled up and asked what was going on. This led to a great discussion about highpointing and the local high grounds. The farmer revealed something I was not aware of, and could be a great boon to Midwest county highpointing. Apparently, combines can be outfitted with an elevation reader/plotter. The farmers can map their field as they harvest. This could be useful in fields with multiple areas. Does anyone know more about this?

Date: December 24, 2000
Author: John Mitchler

In southwest Illinois just north of St. Louis, this is a rather easy one, just off a US highway at a farmhouse.

From historic Alton, go north on US67 through Godfrey (note Lewis and Clark College) to its intersection with IL267. Stay on US67 as it goes east and north. The cohp is along Humbert Road which runs parallel to US67 on the east side, however there's a railroad between the two. You can breach the tracks to the north of the cohp or the south of the cohp. From the IL267 & US67 intersection, go 0.7 miles on US67 to Bethany Lane which is just past Godfrey Raceway. Turn right (east) onto Bethany Lane and go across the tracks and turn left (north) onto Humbert Road. Continue 2.1 miles to a farmhouse on your right (east) signed as 9219 Wiseran.

The HP is one large area which I broke into four spots, 1 = west of Humbert Rd, 2 = Humbert Rd at Vorhees Lane (the Jersey-Madison county line), 3 = eastern arm of the area, and 4 = farmhouse at the south edge of the area. Hand-leveling strongly suggests that spot 4 is the highest. When hand-leveling in 5 degree cold at 8am on Christmas Eve, the homeowners took notice. The owner in a house not shown on the topo at spot 3 (eastern arm of the HP area) was mildly interested in what I was doing. When I explained my activities to the owner in the farmhouse (Wiseran?), he asked, "so what does that have to do with anything?" I smiled and walked away and he quickly retreated to the warmth of his home.

From the Jersey-Madison county line (Vorhees Lane), drive north for 0.4 miles on Humbert Road (which is signed as 2405E in Jersey Co.) to 535N. Turn left (west) and go a across the tracks to reach US67.

Date: November 25, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

These two area, approx 1 mile south of Kinmundy, are easy to reach year-round, thanks to fencelines. From Kinmundy, follow the signs to Stephen Forbes State Park from IL 37. IL 37 parallels I-57, so this county is a short detour for travellers. Follow the signs south thru the two decaying blocks of downtown Kinmundy, then turn east, crossing the railroad tracks. Turn south on the marked (to Forbes State Park) intersection with Washington Street. Follow this road south into the country, up to a crest in the road. There are field entrance pullouts on either side. Park here. Follow the fenceline west 250 yards to crest in hill, where there are fenceposts that allow access to the pasture to the north. As is the case with many fields, the highest remaining areas are right along the fence line (due to erosion of the plowed fields), and these two areas are no exception. No area is higher than the fenceline on this side. Head back east, cross road, and follow the fence/tree line! e! ast 3/10 mile to high ground. I felt the highest area was in some blackberry brambles along the property line, but walked into the field to fully Lobdellize the county.

Date: December 28, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Jon Mann's trip report is great. From IL 37, go left (south) on Madison St. (5 miles south of Farina and 12.6 miles north of US50), then left (east) on Third St., cross the tracks, and go right (south) on Washington St. It is 0.8 miles to the field access pulloff (on the right - west). I fully agree that the HP's lie along the fence lines. I wouldn't have trusted my eyes, but hand leveling confirms that the fields are likely lower than the unplowed fenceline.

Date: April 21, 2001

Author: Jobe Wymore

From the junction of IL17 & IL29 in Sparkland [Sparland] at a 4-way stop hit the odometer and head north. After only 0.2 mile, IL17 takes a leftish turn and heads up a small incline. Take the left and continue on IL17. At 10.5 miles from the starting point you'll come to IL40. Take a right (north) and after 2 miles on IL40/IL17 (they merged when they met) 950N will appear on your right. Take the right turn onto 950N. After 1/2 mile you'll pass a cemetery on your left and shortly after that the pavement ends onto a good dirt road. Continue on as the road gains elevation and at 1.3 miles from where you turned onto 950N (13.8 miles from your starting point) the road crests. Stop here and pull off the side of the road.

The HP of Marshall County from this point is roughly 100-125 yards from the road, to the North. It's a minor, but obvious, bump in the middle of a corn field. As the growing season progresses into the summer it might be hard to pick this one out. Back sighting from the HP to the parking area shows that it may just be a tad bit higher than the area just south from where you parked. Easy HP if the conditions are right.

Date: December 26, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Jobe Wymore's trip report was extremely helpful, although it's Sparland, not Sparkland. I walked into the field and took careful hand level readings, but I just can't convince myself the HP is out there. The county road appears higher, likely because it has been eroded away from farming. In fact the area just north of the road seems higher.

Date: May 12, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

I hadn't planned on doing this Sangamon River Bluff highpoint, but was scouting for later, but when I saw a small parking area, and signs noting the bluff was owned by the Illinois Department of Conservation, and a trail leading from the parking area, I had to investigate. The trail system seems to go to both high points.

From IL 29, just north of town of Kilbourne, turn right on 700N, go east for 7.6 miles to Revis Springs Road. Turn right on Revis Springs Road 1.1 miles to Revis Bluff Road, turn left on Revis Bluff Rd. Proceed east 6/10 mile to parking area on left. The entire bluff area belongs to the Illinois Dept of Conservation. Proceed up trail from parking lot (trail starts on west side) to top of bluff, follow to small ridge with steep dropoff. This is the first area. Follow trail back into woods. You will cross a trail coming straight up a ravine - continue on the ravine trail until you come to wide (ATV) trail, turn right, follow trail to large open area with hay growing. This is the second area. The high ground appears to be in the small field near where you emerge from the woods.

Date: January 7, 2002

Author: Tim Worth

Date: May 11, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

From I-24, Exit 37 (Last exit in Illinois), go east on US 45 one-tenth mile, turn left (north) on Ill 145. Go 6.2 miles to Rosebud Road. Turn right (east). There is a sign to Round Knob pointing left, but go right. Follow Rosebud Road 3.9 miles to T intersection. Paved road curves to left (north), turn on gravel road on right (south). First area is 4/10 of a mile to the south, at road crest. The area on the road bank is as high as any in the pastures on either side. Continue south on the gravel road to a house on the left. This is where you will need to get permission if you want to go into the pasture on the left side of the first area, as well as most of the second area. I spoke with Mrs. Jackson at the house - once she got assurances I was not a hunter, she granted me permission to access either area. She also told me where to get permission for the rest of the 2nd area, and the 3rd area (Mr. Fritz). Accessing the 2nd area is easier through the Fritz property, but she would allow me to access it if I could not get it from Mr Fritz. Mrs Jackson knew the area was the highest in the county.

To get to Mr Fritz's house, and the other two areas, continue south on the gravel road (which, curiously, is paved for a short stretch in front of a mobile home) for 0.6 mile. Road will curve left. Mr Fritz's house is very old house 0.2 mile on right. House number is 7301. Use the far door on the east side. Mr Fritz is in his 80's and moves slowly. He allowed me on his property (and told me quite a few stories as well, so be prepared to talk a bit).

Second/Third Areas - continue past Mr Fritz's house 0.1 mile. Road curves to right, turn left onto small lane. Park here. The third area is in the field to your left, a very small area (and lower than the 2nd). I walked beside the field to the fence line that separates the Jacksons from Mr Fritz's field. The second area is mostly in the Jackson's, partially in Mr. Fritz's. I walked the fence line to the crest, then hopped the fence into the Jackson's pasture, then walked the pasture to the highest area. This area I believe to be higher than either other area (a point confirmed by Mr Fritz, who said as far back as 50 years ago there have been people looking at it for towers on the site, and surveyors told him the area where the second area is was the highest.

Wildlife encountered: About a dozen dog ticks!!

Date: November 11, 2001

Author: Dick Ellsworth

Continue west for 1/2 M to 2000E and turn left (south) onto a dirt road about15' east of the power lines. Follow this road one M south (you'll cross a bridge at 0.3 M) to 00N/N2400 Road - the county line and turn left (east). After one mile you're at the tricounty line and all five McD's HPs are ahead along the south side of the road for the next two miles. At 0.3 M from the intersection pull into a field road pull-out and walk south to the post approx 1000' south. I *think* this is at the east end of HP1. (I numbered McD's HPs 1-5 from W to E, with the little one on the east end being HP5). We then walked about 500' east to HP2 (startled a young buck) then back to car. Drive to road (E 700 St) that splits HP3 stop at the rise and walk around both sides (there is a barking dog at the farmhouse further south on the east side of the road). We then got back on Co line road (N2400) and drove one mile to E 800 St. We walked into the fields for HP4 and HP5. No sign of BM 801 th! at! i could find, think it got plowed under long ago. Really wanted a hand level here, but after the summer was used to the tears - brought a big hanky ;-). I thought either 1, 3, or 4 was highest - will be curious to find out what you have to say.

Date: January 27, 2002

Author: Tim Worth

5 areas, numbered from west to east. HP4 is at the intersection of 2400N(county line rd.) and 800E (200E Warren County). I also could not find the BM. HP5 is to the SW of HP4, look for a lone post at a fenceline corner way in the field. HP5 levelled lower than HP4. HP3 is a mile to the east at 700E, a foot dragger, it levels equal to HP4. I agree that the old tree stump in the field is at the edge of HP1, HP2 is just to the east. They levelled the same elevation. Both of these seemed to level lower than HP3 to the east. HP3 and HP4 seem to be the highest.
Topo

Date: October 17, 2000

Author: Roy Wallen

This reports describes the eight areas from north to south.

The first is north of the radio tower shown on the topo and just south of State Line Road and the Wisconsin state line. The natural area is outside the pen with the hairy bulls, fortunately, although there are manmade areas inside. I chose to stay with the natural point only, given the long horns of these strange-looking creatures.

The second area is at the radio tower on the property of the folks that own the bulls. I didn't get their names but they have lived on that farm for 46 years and were well aware of their farm's notoriety as containing the county highpoint. I didn't disillusion them by noting that it is one of 8 spots. They granted me permission to tour both areas.

The next areas are in a line running north of the Hebron Road, 0.7 mile west of its intersection with Wright Road. Park by the corn field and walk along the farm road to the north. The area is not posted and no one was around when I visited. It is not obvious which side of the three areas is higher nor is it obvious which side of the fence line contains the 1180+ contours. Lobdellization is required in these areas. All three do, however, appear shorter than the radio tower, seen to the north.

The sixth point is along the road to the southwest of the previous points. The highest in this area is in a field to the east of the road.

The seventh point is in the only woods in this area. From a pond that is adjacent to the road 0.7 mile south of Hebron Road, enter the woods to the east, just south of a No Hunting sign. Otherwise, this area is not posted. Proceed up and over a "false summit", continuing east to another knoll where the BM Koltz 1935, at 1189 feet, is located. Given the topography of the area, this knoll seems to be the highest of the whole bunch, although this is impossible to prove as there is no line of sight. In fact, there is very little line of sight out of the woods where the BM is located.

The last area is a bit farther south, behind a house which is just south of the radio tower. There was no one home when I visited but there is a cairn at the highest point in the area. Apparently someone else is proud of the fact that they reside on a highpoint.

Date: March 17, 1998

Author: John Mitchler

1. - BM 1189 in nw ne sec. 17

This hillock appears to be all natural and is in wooded terrain. I found the BM (Koltz 1935).

2. - ne corner of se nw sec. 17

The radio tower is obvious but the barn on the small contour is gone. Everywhere in section 17 new homes are being built on ~5 acre lots among the woods. Someone should buy the hillock with the BM!

3. - center of the north line sec. 17

The county road goes over this rise. Just to the east of the road, within this contour, there is a narrow, sharp, N-S ridge which is fairly high. I did not have my hand level but the BM 1189 looks higher.

4.,5.,6. - ne sec. 8

These three closed contours lie along just north of the county road but none appear to be 5' higher than the roadbase which would make them less than the BM 1189.

7. - ne sec. 5

A radio tower sits on this flattish hill which should not contend as the HP. The relief isn't there. Only a true survey will prove this but I bet ten bucks!

Date: December 27, 2000

Author: John Mitchler

In east-central Illinois, this large county sports two nearby areas that are easy to identify and access.

From the intersection of IL47 and IL9 in Gibson City, go west on IL9 to the Ford-Mclean county line. Follow IL9 as it turns right (north) to follow the county line and then turns left (west) to continue into Mclean County. After driving 3.5 miles from the county line, leave IL9 by driving straight west (IL9 again turns right (north)). Go 1.5 miles to CR 3700E and turn right (north) and go 0.5 miles to a crest in the road by a radio tower. Park.

A huge microwave tower is on the right (east) about 0.4 miles from the turn. This first HP area is about a quarter mile on the left (west) and is on fallow ground that is set aside for Illlinois Acres For Wildlife (i.e., hunting preserve). A dirt road goes from CR 3700E and up and over the highest ground. The owners were not at home.

The second HP area is 0.5 miles farther west along the east-west county road. It is a hill on the left (south) side of the road along an Osage Orange tree fence line, just 100' off the county road. Hand leveling indicates the two areas are of equal elevation.

Date: May 12, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

From I-55 Elkhart Exit (same exit as Logan county HP) follow county road 10 west approx 5 miles to T intersection. Turn left on Menard CR 2050 E (Peoria Rd) 2 1/2 miles to Menard CR 1050 N (Sweetwater Rd). Turn left on Sweetwater Rd, follow for 2 miles to Menard CR 1870 E. Turn left, proceed up road 2/10 to crest in road. The cornfield to the left is unfenced, with a noticable high area 75' feet or so off the road. The corn was still only a foot high, so no problem navigating around the corn.

The road and house shown on the topo at the southern end of the high contour no longer exist.

Date: December 26, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Jon's trip report was good prep, although I approached from the west, not east. From the northwest, go 16 miles south of US 136 on IL 29 to the west side of Greenview and find CR 1 and go an additional 2.6 miles south on IL 29 to CCR 10. From the southwest, go north 2 miles on IL 29 from IL 123 to CR 0. From the intersection of CR 0 and IL 29 go 1.5 miles east to CR 1600E, then north to Sweet Water and at mile 2.0 turn right (east) on Sweetwater Road and go to the CR 1870E at mile 3.0 (measured from IL 29). The house near the HP area on the topo is gone, but the road is still there.

Date: 12/23/01

Author: John Mitchler

Don't bother with these counties if you don't plan to complete Illinois. In fact, don't even bother reading this if you aren't completing Illinois. Several cohp's have taken me more than two days to do (like Rainier, Granite, and Gannett). I didn't expect these two to be added to that list!

Basic description: Located in northwest Illinois just south of the Quad Cities, these multiple area counties are located in flat corn country and share high ground along their county line. The town of Reynolds will serve as your base of operations; it has gas and a tavern but no motel. Only visit this area after crops are harvested and the ground is not mud (prefer frozen).

How to get to Reynolds:

From I-280 Exit 15 in the Quad Cities, take First Avenue west 1.1 miles into Milan, and turn left (south) onto US67. Go south 7.8 miles to CR NN (176^th Ave) passing IL94 at mile 4.3. Or from the south at IL17 in Viola, take US67 north 9.7 miles to CR NN. From the intersection of US67 and CRNN, go west on paved roller-coaster CRNN for 5 miles to IL94, then south 1 mile to the curve in Reynolds. Note these 3 key reference points in town:

1. IL94 curve is Front/Main St. (park here at the memorial flagpole)
2. one block south of IL94 curve is intersection of 180th Ave. and 220th St. (180th/220th)
3. Longbranch Tavern at IL94 & Williams St. a block west of IL94 curve

Lay of the Land:

The high ground extends east-west for several miles east and west of Reynolds along the county line. The east-west county roads are 180th Ave, 170th Ave. etc. The north-south county roads are 220th St., 210th St., etc. The county line road is 180th Ave. and IL94 on the east side of Reynolds is 220th St.

1 disqualification:

The high area in section 33 is a manmade and should be noted so in Andy's bible. It's a Jumbo. What's that? In Illinois, the underground coal mines generated waste rock, and these gob piles tower above flat countryside, usually along rail lines. The gob pile in section 33 is the Sherrard Jumbo and climbing it reveals shale and coal particles. I spoke to a nearby resident who gave me the name and location of the pile's owner. Someday, I may write a guide to Illinois jumbos, which will no doubt be a top priority list for Andy Martin to complete. To reach this feature, go east from the intersection of US67 and CRNN for 3.5 m. on paved CRNN, and then right (south) on paved 63rd St. for 1 mile to the wooded jumbo on your right (east) at the Mercer-Rock Island county line.

I numbered the true candidate areas 1 through 13, east to west along the county line.

5 Areas of Rock Island - East of Reynolds:

Area 1 is a large area in the SE sec. 32/33. From 180th/220th, go east for 2.1 miles to 240th St., go north 0.25 m. and park. Walk west in the field, zig zagging along high ground watching for possible highest rises, eventually turning south to meet 180th Ave. just west of Barber's farm. The Barber's are a friendly couple who operate the Outbak Kennels there at the farm.

Area 2 is a small area in SW sec. 32, and is 1.3 miles east of 180th/220th.

Area 3 is a small area in SE sec. 31, and is 2.0 miles east of 180th/220th.

Area 4 is a small area in S. cen. sec. 31, and is 0.8 miles east of 180th/220th. As with all these liners, the land slopes north away from the county line so that the highest ground appears along the county road.

Area 5 is a large U-shaped area in SW sec. 31 immediately east of Reynolds, and is highest 0.3 (in front of farm house) and 0.1 miles from 180th/220th.

3 Areas of Rock Island - Within Reynolds:

Area 6 is in the SE part of Reynolds. Walking Tour of Reynolds #1: Park at IL94 curve and go east into SW sec. 31 (Area 5). High ground seems to be in the grassy area east of the grain bins. Walk south to 180th Ave., then west to 220th Street. Walk north, then west down an alley, then north crossing IL94. The post office seems high. Continue north to intersection of Edgington and Williams which seems high.

Area 7 is in southcentral Reynolds. Walking Tour of Reynolds #2: On IL94, go west to Madison St., turn left (south) one block before you reach the county line (Perryton St.) you'll see high ground.

Area 8 is on west side of Reynolds. Walking Tour of Reynolds #3: From IL94, go north on West St. to Edington St., go east a block and park at the Funeral Home on (yes) Cemetary St. Walk back west on Edington to West and then south noting that the two homes seem to be on high ground. Turn around and go back to the Funeral Home, and walk north of it which seems to be high. Walk east along Edington St. to school.

5 Areas of Rock Island - West of Reynolds:

Area 9 is a large area in SE sec. 36 on west edge of Reynolds. IL94 curves slightly south to rejoin the county line, 0.7 miles from the IL94 curve. Park here. It seems high ground is in the lobe to the northwest of IL94, and immediately north of IL94, and to the far eastern edge of the area between Perryton St. and IL94.

Area 10 is in the SE cor. of sec. 35, and is 1.1 miles from IL94 curve. High ground seems to be on the west lobe of this area.

Area 11 is in SE sec. 35 and is large U-shaped area. High ground seems to be 1.2 miles and 1.4 miles from IL94 curve.

Area 12 is a small dot in SE sec. 35 and does not seem to have relief.

Area 13 is in SW sec. 35, and is 1.6 miles from IL94 curve.

Rock Island Summary:

There is no way to tell which area is highest, although the folks at the tavern seemed to be the highest. I will bet big bucks that Area 12 is not the true HP and is the only area that doesn't need to be visited. I get the "feeling" that I'm highest at Areas 1, 4, and 9 (east edge), and really high at Area 5 (in front of house) and Area 11 (east end, along 180th).

Multiple areas, numbered 1 through 9 from east to west.

Area 1 is small area in W sec. 4, has flat relief, and sights lower from Area 4.

Area 2 is very small area in NE sec. 5, and has a farm house on it. It sights lower from Area 5, but is an easy walk from 240th St.

Area 3 an elongated area in NE sec. 5 and sights much lower from Area 5.

Area 4 is a monster area in sec. 5 & 8, and very likely holds the highest ground. It also sports a VOR (FAA device) and the Hyland Farm, which name recognizes the high nature of the land! This intimidating area was made pleasant by the friendly Dave Anderson who's house is in the SW cor. sec. 5. The road in SW sec. 5 (0.25 m. from SW cor. sec. 5) does not exist although gravel can be seen in the field. I got permission to drive the lane (0.5 m. from SW cor. sec. 5) that goes north to cen. sec. 5, and could sight to the east and south. I walked west to the metal shed in the cen. of west half sec. 5 (not on topo). The highest ground appears to be in the west half, south of the center line. The area in sec. 8 sights lower.

Area 5 is in east sec. 6. Drive on 220th St. to center of sec.5/6 (0.5 m. south of 220th/180th), and walk along fence about 0.25 m. From here, high ground appears to be in the south of the area, and sights fairly level with high ground in sec. 5.

Area 6 in sec. 6. I parked along 170th Ave., a half mile from 220th St. Walk south along fence until land begins to drop to the south. Walk out into the area; highest ground appears to be in the north center of the area.

Area 7 in NE sec. 12. Park along 220th St. in a gulley south of 170th Ave. and walk northwest up a gulley into the large area. There is a north-south fence just west of second farmhouse. High ground appears along this fence in the center of the section.

Area 8 in NW sec. 12. Park along 210th St. in a gulley south of 170th Ave. and walk east into large area. High ground appears to be in western lobes of the area, although it's pretty flat.

Area 9 in sec. 2 has a house on it, as well a 205th Street. Go 0.6 miles south of 180th Ave. (county line). High ground appears to be on the east side of the road. Note that a couple miles west of this area is the hamlet of Hamlet. This reminds me of the town of Towner in Colorodo. Is there a city of City anywhere?

Mercer Summary:

Areas 2 and 3 appear low, but all other areas need to be visited. The true high ground is likely to be in Area 4, in the west half of sec. 5, but only a professional survey will reveal this.

Date: November 11, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

From Waterloo IL, head west on IL 156 to the town of Valmeyer. On the topo, the town of Valmeyer is shown at the bottom of the bluff, with the highpoint on the bluff directly to the northeast of town. Valmeyer was completely destroyed in the floods of 1993, and the town has been rebuilt on the bluffs, on the northside of IL 156. What was once a very inaccesible county highpoint is now, if my estimations are correct, a gimme. The terrain now has a town where none is on the topo, along with dozens of new streets. I turned into town (J Meyer Ave). I followed J. Meyer Ave to Woodland Ridge Ave, and turned left. There is a large Catholic Church on the corner. I followed Woodland Ridge Ave to close to its end, to three houses on the bluff-side, directly across from the water tower. (Basically I just sighted the water tower and drove to it. I believe the highpoint is at 222 Woodland Ridge, or at the house on either side. It is definately the highest in sight, and matches the ter! ra! in on the topo, both in distance from the highway, and surrounding topographical features. I would be interested in anyone else's opinion on this, since the area has changed dramatically from when the topo was drawn.

Monroe County was interesting, as an entire town has been relocated from one area on the topo to another, which contains the highpoint. At Perry County, I encountered a situation that made me question my sanity in highpointing this particular county, and was the only county where I have been extremely apprehensive and nervous about doing it.

Date: December 4?, 2001

Author: Tim Worth

Five areas to visit with this one, all in the same general area. Moving west on IL 16, pass through Nokomis, IL then make a left at Nokomis Road(2300E) Go ~2.5 miles south to 19th Street(1900N), area #1 is just SE of this intersection, north of the radio tower, in a corn field. From here drive S. to 18th street(1800N) and make a left(west). Go about a mile, until you come to a large A frame house on the right. Area #2 seems to be the circle driveway in front of the house, though I stomped around the neighbor's front yard and the woods to the east to make sure I got the area.

Areas #3 and #4 are along a power line in a farm field ~5 miles to the NW of areas #1 and #2. Get to 2000N(just S of Nokomis) and continue west until you get to Ohlman Road(incorrectly marked Chilman road in Delorme). Continue west to the power lines, park. There was too much brush to hike directly under the powerlines, so I slogged through muddy cornfields, paralelleing the power lines for about .8 mile where areas #3 and #4 are seperated by a small grouping of trees on the left. The northern contour seemed to be higher. There was a farm just to the north of these points, so an approach from the north might be easier.

Area #5 is along the Montgomery/Christian county line. A blue house sits right on the high contour, across the street from a radio tower. The best way to get there is to take 000N Christian County west from Ohlman about 2 miles to the HP. I came from the south on a horrible dirt road, the west approach has an even worse road. The Christian County HP is just a few miles NE of this area.

Date: December 27, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

I followed Tim's directions, and offer the following observations: Area 1 in sec. 36 - I parked on 19th, a quarter a mile east of Nokomis Road, 2.4 miles south of IL 16. Area 2 in sec. 35 - The A-frame house which Tim mentions is not on the topo. Areas 3 & 4 in sec. 16 - I found it easy to drive the lane to the cemetery just east of these two areas. From IL 16 south of Ohlman, take Ohlman Road south for 1.6 miles, turn left (east) on 22nd and go to 1.5 miles. Turn right (south) and go 0.5 miles to a barn on the right (west). The access road is on either side of the barn, and is a half mile of grassy two track driving. The cemetery only has 3 or 4 graves. Follow the fence line west for a half mile to the HP areas. Area 5 in sec. 2 - I totally agree with Tim about the rutted dirt road south of the HP area. This unmaintained lane will be a suck hole in wet season. Combine Montgomery with Christian County outing.

Date: December 24, 2000

Author: John Mitchler

The two bumps that comprise this cohp are located in western Illinois in Jacksonville just west of Springfield.

The highway routes on the south side of Jacksonville are confusing, especially since a US67 bypass has been constructed and is not on the topo. Using the topo's labels, identify the right angle turn that US67/IL104 makes at the southwest edge of Jacksonville. Continue west from this spot for 1.3 miles to Jones Lane which extends to the right (north) off The Mound. An old farmhouse is just south of Jones Lane and a radio tower is just southeast. The highest ground appears to be in a field just east of the radio tower. From the high ground, you can see the new US67 bypass just a quarter mile to the east.

Drive 0.5 miles back toward Jacksonville and turn left (north) onto Mound Road which follows the crest of this moraine. Homes adorn both sides of this street and after 1 mile you'll be in the residential area of Jacksonville. After driving nearly 2 miles on Mound Rd, watch for Grand Ave. Shortly after Grand, watch for Pitner Place on your left (north). Turn onto Pitner which is a block-long street with nicer homes. The HP area is at 13 Pitner Place to the left (west) side of the street. I spoke at length with the folks who live there and they were impressed to be on the cohp. Apparently Pitner was owner of this land before it was subdivided. The owners are very much part of the local society and appreciated receiving a copy of the HP Club newsletter. There's no way to tell which of the two areas is highest, The Mound or 13 Pitner Place, but based on relative rise of the terrain, I would bet that The Mound is the true highest land.

Date: December 4, 2001

Author: Tim Worth

Take Illinois 16 west of Shelbyville until you get to the small town of Gays, which is known for having one of America's last remaining two story outhouses - no, I didn't take the tour. Past Gays, make a right on 1800E, which is the Coles/Moultire county line. Travel ~1 mile south, passing a few houses on the right until you get to an old fence line on the right. Take the fence line maybe 100yds to the high countour, which is not particularly obvious in the field. I stomped around quite a bit. The house shown on the topo on front of the high area is no longer there, replaced by a pile of gravel, which is probably the man made highpoint of the county.

Date: July 1, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

This farmland bump lies on Hardpan Ridge south of Freeport in the rich farm country of northern IL. My first attempt (in September) was thwarted by tall corn. This year it was planted in soybeans so the 1000' stroll was easy. Best bet is dry weather in winter.

From the southeast edge of Freeport, locate Hollywood Road at Business US 20. Set odometer and head south on paved Hollywood. At 5.8 miles, turn left (east) on Montague Road, and at mile 6.8 turn right (south) on gravel Springfield Road. Stop at mile 6.9. Note the drainage gulley to the right (west).

The highpoint is at the head of the drainage. From the road you have a superb view to the east. The nuclear power plant cooling towers near Byron loom large.

Date: November 23, 2001

Author: Jon Mann, Stephanie Mann

Take IL 26 south from Freeport to the Ogle County line. Turn east on Mantague Road, travel 3.5 miles to Springfield Road, turn south. Go tenth of a mile over a road crest, park along the road (near the bottom of the road before it heads up another crest looked as good as any). Head west into the field a 1/10 mile to the high area.

Date: December 26, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

A highway along a ridge in northwest IL provides easy access to the multiple cropland areas in this county.

Point your vehicle south on the Marshall-Peoria county line in Lawn Ridge on IL 40 (shown as IL 88 on topo and DeLorme). Zero your odometer. Go. At mile 0.05, Area 1 is on the left (east) at a building marked Treasure Chest.

At mile 0.4, Area 2 is on the right (west). The buildings are gone but the road exists.

At mile 0.7, Area 3 is on the left (east). The buildings are gone but the road exists.

At mile 1.0, Area 4 is 0.2 to the right (west) along Stretmater Road, and is behind a nice house on 5 acres owned by a non-farmer who was delighted to discuss highpointing with me. He knew that the area is high and that the Topeka and Santa Fe rail line at Edelstein is the highest between Chicago and Kansas City. The Hackberry in the yard is the third largest in the state.

At mile 5, Area 5 is 4 miles to the right (west). Turn right (west) off IL 40 onto Akien Road. After 1.3 miles cross rail tracks. At mile 2.5 cross IL 91. At mile 4.0, turn left (south) on a driveway to a house. I could not find the BM, but the high ground appeared to be just north of the house where a new radio tower exists.

Date: November 11, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

It was getting dark as I approached the highpoint, but decided to go for it.I almost stopped when I got to the neighboring house, but decided to risk it.

Head east from Sparta on IL 154 to the Randolph/Perry county line. Turn north on County Line Road for 2 miles, turn east on Rose of Sharon Road. At the NE corner awaits one of the more interesting and frightening sights a county highpointer could imagine - a farmhouse, next to the highpoint, completely surrounded by old trucks, buses, trailers, cars – basically whatever junk the owner could get, piled on the edge of his property, creating a walled compound. The only entrance has a large gate, with numerous stop, no trespassing and keep out signs on it. Fortunately, only the area immediately surrounding the house is "walled". I debated what to do, and decided to go for it. I passed the house, and pulled off the road in front of what is shown on the topo as a barn. Only the silo currently remains. There are no posting in this area, so in the fading gloom, I hastily made my way out into the field, keeping an eye on the darkenedhouse. I reached the high area of the field, and! t! rotted out to the small area to the northeast, which proves to be lower, and need not be visited by future cohpers. I quickly made my way back to the car, relieved that not a stir came from the house.

Date: February 9, 2002

Author: Tim Worth

29 areas

807/810+

This county is a monster! Unless you are intent on someday completing IL, I wouldn't bother. But the following is an account for those hearty(deranged?) souls like myself who HP the midwest.

One problem with this county is that it involves a lot of farm field hiking, which limits access to winter. I'd recommend going when the ground is frozen. The day I went it was unseasonably warm, making the fields very muddy(particularly the 13 areas in the Foosland quad).

All 29 areas are nearby tiny Blue Ridge, IL, in the NE corner of the county. Directions: From I-74, head east on US136 ~10 miles to 3900E. Turn south on 3900E which turns into 1200E(Piatt county) after two miles. Another half mile south and you are at area 1 in sec. (16).

Here is the area breakdown:

11 areas 807+ 15/16/21-21N-6E Bellflower

1 in (16) - Fairbanks BM
1 in (15) - W 1/2 of SW 1/4
4 in (15) - S 1/2
5 in (22) - NE 1/4

Area 1 is on the road, at the survey marker sign. I could not find the Fairbanks BM. Area 2 is the minor contour to the SW of #1. I've marked areas 3,4, and 5 as the group shown paralleling the pipeline running diagonally across (15). They can be reached by driving to the end of a dirt road off 1300E, which is the driveway to a brick house marked "3350". No one was home. The foundation of the house appeared to be just as high as the three contours. Area #6 is at the site of a white two-story house on the north side of 3300N, about a half mile west of 1200E. Again, no one answered.

Areas 7,8,9,10, and 11 are south of the house at #6, in a field. From area #6, set out directly south to area #7. Area #8 is along the cropline to the east, areas 9, 10, and 11 are to the south, marked from west to east.

Hand levelling amongst these 11 areas either yeilded the same elevation, or was inconclusive. The only area I could positively eliminate was #11.

Topo(target on area 7)

5 small areas 810+ 26-21N-6E Mahomet

Next I drove to 5 the contours of 810+. From the intersection of 1300E (AKA Piatt Co route 2) and 3300N, head south 2 mi. to 3100N, make a left(east), then another half mile to 1350E. Park.

From this intersection, hike north up the grassy fenceline for about a half mile to a clump of four areas. The first area is on the N-S fenceline and I'd bet its the highest since it is unplowed. Area 2 is along an E-W fenceline, at a small white post. Area 3 and 4 are to the southwest in a field.

The fifth area is north of the noticible power lines, you could hike to it from the other 4 areas or head back to the car and access it from 1400E, as I did. Either way, it was too far from the other four areas to compare elevation-wise with a simple hand level.

Topo

13 areas 807+ 23/26-21N-6E Foosland

1 in (23) - NE of RR Bridge
2 in (23) - N 1/2 near rail line
1 in (23) - tiny area just S of fenceline and "23" on topo
4 in (23) - S 1/2
1 in (26) - NE 1/4 NE 1/4
4 in (26) - contours closed by south map-edge

There are a lot of ways you can get to these areas. I did the 8 areas in (23) by starting at at a railroad bridge on 3200N. The first area is a contour sliver just NE of the RR bridge, it is almost unnoticeable in the field and can be eliminated. From the RR bridge (built in 1998 and possibly the man made cohp), hike the railroad grade north ~.6 miles to a minor rise on the left(west) just north of the fenceline on the topo. This is area #2.

From this point, I've numbered areas 3-8 running from NW to SE, all east of the RR grade, with area 7 being the largest contour of the group which leaks onto 3200N near a small horse stable. These areas run together with little relief so I spent most of the time Lobdellizing in mud. Hand level comparison was inconclusive throughout, there is almost no relief.

3 of the 5 areas in sec (26) are easy to see from the topo, the other two are hardly noticable contour edges which do not spill over onto the Mahomet quad, since the Foosland quad is metric. Area #1 is a bubble-esque contour just south of 3200N, SE of the 246m spot elev. Area 2 is the contour sliver just to the south, it was close enough to the 5th area(810) on the Mahomet quad to elimintate it. Area 3 was at the site of a metal post to the west of #2, Area 4( the other minute spillover) was lower than area 5, the contour whose eastern edge just touches the (26) on the topo.

Topo (target on area 2)

Treat yourself to a nice meal and a beer after finishing this county! If anyone has any questions feel free to email me.

Date: July 7, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

This high ground lies opportunistically at the south edge of Baylis in western Illinois. It's a gimme.

With your car pointed westward, zero the odometer on the Meredosia bridge over the Illinois River (IL 104). At mile 9.7 cross IL 107. At mile 17.1 arrive at Fishhook (a goofy name, but not as bad as Monkeys Eyebrow, Kentucky) and turn left (south) on CR 2550E. At mile 24.2 arrive at Main Street and CR 2200N at the south edge of Baylis. A United Methodist church is on the northeast corner of this intersection. The highpoint appears to be along the south edge of CR 2550E. The plowing of the field to the south has apparently lowered the land. Hand leveling indicates the area farther to the south is significantly lower. I think you can count this HP by just visiting the road side.

Date: October, 1999
Author: Ron Tagliapietra

From Herod, turn onto the gravel road at the sign that says "Williams Hill 3 miles". After about a mile you will come to a T and go right to continue ascending. After another 1.5 miles, turn right onto the final spur to the radio towers at the summit. The benchmark is inside the turnaround loop at the end of the road just opposite the trail sign and the sign about the second highest point in Illinois.

Date: December 8, 2001

Jon Mann and Ken Oeser
The two areas are about a half-mile apart as the crow flies, but 5.5 miles by road. Both areas are accessed from the small town of Wetaug on old US 51. Turn west from old US 51 on Jefferson Street (the only track-crossing). Follow Jefferson Street until it deadends. To the south, the road is called Wetaug Road, to the north, Mt. Pisgah Road. For the first area, turn south on Wetaug Road. At 9/10 mile, the road will junction. Stay on the signed Wetaug road (right) for another 9/10 mile. On the right, there is an older-house with lots of vehicles in the front. This is the Rankin's house, who own the first area. Mrs. Rankin and her son were very nice, and allowed us to walk around the back of her house, and follow a mowed path to the very distinct high area. The highpoint is wooded, and to the left of the path. After thanking them for allowing us to hike the property, we were invited in to see all of their hunting trophies. I told them about the cruel trick played by John Mitch! le! r, and the son vowed to add his head to the trophy case, should Mitchler venture that far south. Head back to Wetaug, but stay on the road as it becomes Mt. Pisgah road. Follow Mt. Pisgah road into Union County, and turn left at 2.1 miles on Lake Road. Folow Lake Road 1.6 miles to a white farmhouse across from a pond. We knocked here, but there was no answer. We back-tracked a tenth of a mile, crossed the open, unfenced and unposted pasture to the county line, which is marked by an unposted fence. Cross the fence, and the flattish high area is immediately in front of you.

Date: December 26, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

This flat north central county has 11 candidate areas along a higher ridge, and two jumbos. Although Andy mentions the Mark Jumbo (coal mine gob pile), he does not mention the Standard Jumbo. I climbed both even though they are manmade. The Standard Jumbo has been graded and seeded and no longer sports twin peaks.

On I-59 south of the Illinois River, take Exit 51 to IL 71 and go 6 miles west to CR 1500E (First Street) on the west side of Standard (no services). Turn left (south). At mile 0.3 notice the Standard Jumbo (how can you not!). At mile 3.0 come to unsigned CR 700N and turn right (west).

Area 11 is 0.55 miles west at the Buckman Farm. The HP house on the topo no longer exists.

Areas 10, 9, and 8 are 0.25 miles west. I drove a quarter mile south on the driveway and spoke to the nice elderly couple there.The highest area appears in to be in the southern half of the large tooth-shaped area. Area 7 and 6 are 0.3 miles south of CR 700N, and are in a field to the right (west). Even with no crops, they were difficult to hand level but luckily are within an easy stroll of the CR.

Area 5 is 0.5 miles south of CR 700N, and is out in a field east and north of a house and brick silo. I walked the HP area and felt that the highest ground is on along the north edge.

Areas 4, 3, 2, and 1 lie in the town of Mt. Palatine (no services) which had a college at one time. Hard to believe. The ground around the church levels much higher than the areas to the northwest and northeast near houses.

Note the Mt. Palatine Cemetary on the topo. This cemetary barely clings to existance but boasts an unplowed prairie which contains rare plants such as the Prairie Violet.

Richland County
1/17/02
BM 601
Author: Tim Worth

This single area is a moderately sized 600' contour in a farm field.

Directions: From Lawrenceville, take US 50 west 12 miles to the Richland county line. Might want to visit Lawrence COHP at Red Hills State Park, which is along this route. From the county line, continue west 4 miles to Primrose Road. Make a right(north). Head north, pass Seven Hills Lane, the road will turn to gravel. Pass Pleasant Ridge Road(1250N) - look for a sign which says "Whipporwill Hill" on your left(west).

Approach: I approached from the west. Drive north on Primrose Rd. past the sign and park at the wooded area to the right(east). Unless you have an affinity for thornbushes, walk on the south edge of the forested area to the high countour, which is in a cornfield. There was a small pile of brush, and some old burned logs in the middle of the high area which seemed to be the highest spot. Couldn't locate the 601 BM shown on the topo, it may have at one time existed at the dirt pile or slightly to the east in a field.

- see Mercer

Date: November 11, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

From the town of Columbia, head south on IL 3. At the south edge of town, take the exit for IL 158. Continue east on IL 158 for less than one mile, turn left on Columbia Quarry Road (immediately after entering St. Clair County. Follow the Quarry Road around a curve for 4/10 mile. Park on right side of road, follow grass strip uphill. The grass strip will end near the top of the field. Head into the field to the flattish summit (about 100 yards).

Date: December 28, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Jon Mann's report was excellent, especially since my visit was late at night and I really needed some spoon-fed directions! New observations: From I-255 take Exit 6 on IL 3 and go 4.0 miles to IL 158 exit. Go 1.2 miles to the Columbia Quarry Road just after the county line. On the topo, the two contours just east of the word "road" are tree-lined quarry or sink hole ponds. At night, the flattish summit was barren and windswept. The lights of the surrounding countryside gave it a lonely feeling. Grabbing this county at 9:00pm allowed me to count 9 counties during my one-day Illinois rampage.

Date: September 17, 2001

Author: Tim Worth

Going south from Harrisburg on Illinois 35, pass the visible Wamble Mountain on the left and turn left onto Somerset Road (shown as FR 707 in Delorme). Continue past a stretch of private property to your right until the road heads north. Keep your eyes open for a side road to the right which shortly narrows into a trail. This is the path to Horton Hill. If you start seeing private property signs again while heading north, you have gone too far.

Follow the uphill trail for 1 mile until you reach a more defined trail running north/south. Follow this trail north a short distance and you will find yourself on the Horton Hill/Bald Knob Ridge. The high point appears to be maybe 200 ft north of the trail intersection just to the right of the trail. There is no view. I later revisited as I found that Horton Hill is actually ~1/4 mile north of the location described.

Date: ?

Author: Jon Mann

Yes, it is true, there is a highpoint in Illinois that requires a hike (roundtrip) of 3.5 miles, and a net elevation gain of 440' (500' trip gain). Saline County's Horton Hill, which is in the Shawnee National Forest rates as one of the harder single area counties in the Prairie State.

From the town of Herod, head north on Illinois 34. Just beyond the Saline/Pope countyline, turn right (east) on Somerset Road (FR 707). At 9/10 mile, the road curves north, and crosses a bridge. Continue 1/10 mile to a small trailhead area. Follow the unsigned trail over a small hill, into a ravine, and up a ridge, gaining 140' of elevation in 6/10 mile. The narrow trail dead-ends at a wide north/south trending trail. Follow this relatively flat trail north for one mile. Here, a trail junctions from the left (west). Take this steep, deeply rutted trail west for 2/10 mile to the summit, gaining 120'-140' along the way. Ken and I placed a log tepee at the summit. The summit is wooded, and has limited views, but the hike itself is very nice, wooded hike.

Date: December 31, 2000

Author: Jon Mann

Note: Road shown on Delorme and TOPO going to high area no longer exists.

This is another highpoint in the middle of a cornfield, located in the southwest corner of Sangamon County.

From the town of Waverly, proceed east 1/2 mile on IL 104 to Morgan/Sangamon county line. Continue on 104 another 1/2 mile to County Road 15W. (If you go under a railroad underpass, you went to far). Turn right (south) on 15W 1 mile where road curves to east, becoming CR 15.5S. Proceed 0.1 mile to CR 14.9W (shown on Delorme as 15W), turn right (south) for 1/2 mile to CR 16S (also known as Carruthers Road). Turn left (east) for 1.1 mile to farm of Wayne Carruthers. No one was home when I was there. The road shown on the topo and Delorme going to the high area is no longer there, having been plowed under, but the buildings are still there, three barn/grain sheds on the rise 0.4 mile south of road. There is a fence line just west of building that goes all the way to the road that you can follow until you are parallel with the buildings, then you have to cut across the field to the high area, which appears to be just east of the buildings. The area marked with the benchmark is also part of the field, so it is doubtful it exists anymore.

Author: TIm Worth

I spoke to a man (Wayne Carruthers?), whose farm is across from the HP. Nice guy. He mentioned the owner of the property with the HP is named Ackerman, and lives just a short ways to the east(on Ackerman Road), and probably wouldn't mind me going onto his property. I agree that the HP is in a cornfield just to the west of the old farm buildings

Date: July 7, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Conveniently located behind a marvelous white farmhouse at the edge of the hamlet of Pleasant View in western Illinois, this highpoint should be considered easy and a gimmee. The owner Bob Sommer and son Mike were very friendly and very interested in highpoints. Their well-manicured grounds were more impressive than the highpoint. From US 67 near the notorious river town of Beardstown, take IL 100 north for 3.7 miles to Frederick and turn left (northwest) onto the paved highway that leads up out of the Illinois River flood plain towards Rushville. Go 2.5 miles and cross Coal Creek. Note the strip mine terrain on the right (north). At mile 2.9, turn left (west) on Liberty (910W). After a block, turn left (south) onto Main (2344E) which appears to be just a driveway to the HP house. The highest ground appears to be at the edge of the lawn in the backyard.

Visit the Riverview Restaurant in Beardstown (above the bowling alley) to enjoy very nice views of barges and paddle boats on the Illinois River as you dine. This area is noted for very tasty melons, in season in August. Schuyler is pronounced Sky-lur.

Date: June 9, 2001

Author: Dick Ellsworth

Yeah - he is a helluva nice guy. I was there on June 9th and he invited me into his kitchen and gave me a pitcher of ice water - i'd been to Brown Co earlier that day and was really dehydrated! He seemed really interested in the HP concept, i gave him the contact info for Andy - he talked like he'd like to do some of the IL counties...

Date: June 3, 2001

Author: Jon Mann

I had been intrigued by this highpoint since I first mapped it, sitting on Williamsburg Hill in the middle of nowhere (so to speak). From the town of Herrick (which is 6 miles east of US 51 on the Shelby/Fayette county line) follow the county line road 2.3 miles east to Shelby County 1050E. Turn north on 1050E, follow one mile to 100N, turn right (east) 1/2 mile to 1100E.

Turn left (north) on 1100E for 4.45 miles to road dead-end on 545N. Turn left on 545N, then follow road when it curves north - stay on the northbound road (1095E) 1/2 mile or so to a large orange/white radio tower. Turn on road to Ridge Cemetery, park along road beside tower.

At first, I was afraid I would have problems getting this highpoint, with a high fence topped with barbed wire surrounding the tower, and thick bramble along the fence. I noticed the high area (which agrees with the map) was on the south side of the tower, and the high area was on the fence line. The high area was reached by walking (through a downpour) down the cemetery road to just beyond the high fence surrounding the tower. I found an opening in the woods, and walked through the forest to low fence, crossed low fence, and followed it uphill to high area, crossed low fence again to the high area, which appears to be right along the fence enclosing the radio tower. No views from this forested highpoint.

Date: July 2, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Jon Mann describes a south approach so I offer a north approach.

From US 51 & IL 16 east of Pana, go 4.5 miles on IL 16 to Tower Hill. Watch for the sign "Herrick" on the left (south). Go south out of town on a paved road for 4.25 miles to New Hope Church (450) Road. Turn left (east) and go 2 miles to CR 1100E. Turn right (south) and go 1 mile to the base of wooded Williamsburg Hill and ascend for a mile to the massive radio tower.

Jon's observation is correct that the true HP lies behind the tower (south side), and his description of how to walk to it is excellent. However, you do not need to cross the low fence. Just walk along it between it and the high tower fence. The route is through immature forest and had numerous branches at face level -- until I got there. Watch out for poison ivy and stinging nettle, which thrive in these woods.

Date: December 26, 2001

Author: John Mitchler

Combine this county with a visit to Marshall County. This northwest IL HP requires a half mile walk into cropland to visit two areas, while another area can be eliminated as it really is just a depression.

Drive to Camp Grove. Note that the topo and DeLorme show IL 40 as IL 88. Just west of Camp Grove is the Marshall-Stark county line. Zero your odometer on IL 17, and proceed west for 1.0 mile. Veer right (north) on IL 40 and go 1.6 miles to a nice rest area which has a great view to the south. It also has a truss bridge on display. At one time there were 10,000 truss bridges in Illinois but now only 350 remain. Note that the large HP area north of the rest area is really a despression. Continue north on IL 40 and stop at mile 1.9. A small area is on the west edge of the highway. If you look south, the land seems higher (across the highway from the depression). Hand level indicates it to be nearly level. I would bet that the small HP area is no longer a candidate because of farm erosion. It would be fine with me if future visitors skipped this area, but it's so close to the highway why not do it?

Continue north on IL 40. At mile 2.0, turn left (west) on gravel county road. Go 1 mile and turn right (north) on paved county road and go 0.5 miles to a ranch style home on the east side of the road. A person there knew the owner and allowed me to walk a half mile into the fields to the double areaHP in NW sec. 23.

Date: July 2001

Author: Jon Mann

This highpoint on the Stagecoach Trail sits atop a wooded pasture, with radio towers near the top - but on a distinct little knob. I parked along the road, and hopped the fence at the gate to the towers. I hustled up the hill, and back down.

Trip Statistics: 10 min duration, 40 ft gain, less than 1/4 mile distance

Date: October 16, 2000
Author: Mike Beavers

The fire tower that Andy Martin mentions in is book is no longer there although the bench mark still is there. The fire tower has been replaced by a giant cross. This thing must be at least 4 or 5 stories high. The day we were there it was cloudy and raining but on a clear day the cross must be visible for several miles.

Directions: Get off of Illinois 127 at Alto Pass. At the junction of 127 and Mulligan Hill Road (?) you will see a forest service sign that says Bald Knob 5 miles. Stay on Mulligan Hill Road (?) until you come to Bald Knob Road. Turn onto Bald Knob Road and drive to the top. Whoever owns the cross may charge an access fee during the certain times of the year but no one was there to collect any money the day we were there.

Date: April 21, 2001

Author: Jobe Wymore

The county has a total of 4 areas that Andy Martin's book says have to be visited. It's one of those counties where one of the spots is on one quad and the other 3 are on another. They are in separate areas but close by.

To reach the 1st of the 4 areas, following these directions, you're gonna have to get to the intersection of IL136, IL119, and IL1. Once there, hit the odometer and head west on IL136. After 12.4 miles the road comes to a "T" intersection as it merges with IL49. Hit the odometer again and take a left (south). About 5.2 miles later the road starts to swing westward and shortly thereafter (about half a mile) it will swing southward again. At this point before the road swings south again, there will be a lesser paved road extending west. Take this lesser road and continue west for only 0.3 mile where 170E will appear on your right. Hang a quick right onto this road and follow it as it gains a little altitude and crests 0.6 miles later. Just a little bit farther is a wood post with a telephone hookup box at its base. Park here. The lone small area (795+) is about a little over a quarter of a mile due west through a corn field. Later in the season when the corn is high this would be a wide-awake nightmare to negotiate. HP is obvious and is not posted.

Retrace the way you came back to the point where you left IL49 and got onto that lesser road (just 0.9 miles away). Continue on it like you never got off heading south until you come to the small town of Hope. The town comes up on you pretty quick since it's only 1/2 mile south. There will be the Hope United Church on the West side of IL49 and right across the street will be 235 N (east side). Take a left onto 2350N and follow it for 2.1 miles until you come to a home with a bunch of garages, 3 large gray silos, and all sorts of stuff on your left. It'll have a few different houses/garages to knock on to gain permission cause you'll definitely need it for these 3 spots. I found the owner in one of the huge green garages and he let me head out into his field, no problem.

The Collison Quad shows a rough dirt road that stops short of the southern most of the 3 areas in this group. This road actually extends all the way through the southern area and the owner gave me permission to drive it. I headed up and parked again as the road crested. The HP of this area is about 150 feet to the SW from the crest in the road in a corn field (obvious).

Now for the last 2 areas. They required me to strike out NW through the field from the point where I parked the car. I maintained a due NW heading and after around 550 paces reached a fence line. As you approach this fence it appears to have a tire hanging on it but, as you get closer it turns out to be a roll of fence wire. The smallest northernmost point is along the fence line and it's a slight rise in the fence (obvious).

For the last area, I walked east along the fence and after about 100 paces or so struck out SE in the direction of my car and went right over it. Another obvious spot. This spot is obviously higher than the small spot by the fence. Hand-leveling confirms that.

Anyway, lots and lots of fields to cover on this one. Muddy in spring and later in the growing season the farmer might not be so willing to grant permission. Might want to pick your timing accordingly.

Date: December 16, 2001

Author: Tim Worth

Another one I scouted in September. From Albion, IL, travel east on IL 15 for ~12 miles. Make a left(north) at the intersection near the samll town of Maud(700E). Travel north for ~11 miles on 700E, and okay gravel road. Pass 1950N, then look for a small lake and a whitish house on the right(east) ~1 mile later, just at the point the road begins to bend left(west). No one was home to grant permission, and the area near there house was fenced, so I decided to approach from the south instead. Go back south down 700E to 1950N, take a left(east). On the left, look for a lot with a small staircase going to a house which no longer exists. Park at a fenceline/treeline ~.2 miles down 1950E on the left. Hike north along the treeline, which eventually turns into a wider forested area. The bushwacking is fairly rough here, with thornbushes at every turn. Continue ~.6 miles north, look for a hunters blind nearby, then cross two barbed wire fences in the forest, and come to a cornfiel! d ! surrounded by forest on the north, south, and east sides. The two high areas are in this field. Area #1 is just to the east of a noticeable drainage ditch not shown on the topo, area #2 is south of this, about where I finally came out of the woods. It looked like there may be a third area just west of these two, though this may be considered part of the first area's contour. Return the same way you came. About 1.2 miles round trip hike. I suspect approaching these HPs from the west may be easier.

Topo chart

Photograph Topo Chart