Oakland County Highpoint Trip Report
four areas (1,230+ ft)
Date: May 25, 2002
Author: Bob Schwab
There are four natural 1,230+ foot contours in Oakland County, Michigan.
Two other sites (Mt. Holly and Pine Knob, both ski hills) claim higher elevations in
the county but both have been enhanced (raised) during the past 30 years to
improve the skiing.
one small area north of Pontiac
From the intersection of I-75 and Route 15 north of Pontiac (Exit 91) head north
on Route 15 for about 0.75 mile to Deer Ridge Drive (2nd light north of I-75 interchange).
Turn right and drive east for about 0.75 mile through a very nice
residential area. Along the way, you will first encounter a stop sign (turn left),
followed shortly by a yield sign. At this point (the yield sign) turn
left onto Deerwood. and drive north about 0.3 mile to an intersection at a crest
in the road. Turn left again (this is West Crest Forest Court) and drive to the
circle at the end. The lady who lives just east of the road gave me permission
to park on the circle and hike south into the woods. The property is protected
by the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, and there is a nice nature
trail that leads to a bench and picnic table at the top (area 1).
A nearby sign says "Oakland Crest, 1240' Elevation"
(which is wrong, the highest contour is 1,230 feet).
one area south of Oakwood Road
This approach starts where Route 24 crosses the Oakland/Lapeer County line just
a mile or so east of Mount Christie (the highpoint of Lapeer County). From the
county line, drive south on Route 24 for about 1.1 miles to the Oakwood Road
intersection. Turn left and drive east on Oakwood Road for about 4.2 miles to
Duffield Farms (3400 Oakwood Road) on the south side of the road. I drove in
and got permission from the stable manager to hike south on a farm road that
passes the paddock. When the road turns west, hike south directly up into the
woods to the top (area 2). The highest ground is near a couple of trees and
some flatish rocks.
two areas in the Grampian Hills
As you leave Duffield Farms, turn right and drive east on Oakwood Road for about
1.5 miles to the intersection with Lake George Road. Turn right and go south on
Lake George Road for 4 miles to Drahner Road. Turn right again and go west
1 mile on Drahner to the intersection of Hosner and the entrance to the
Saint Benedictine Monastery. These two areas are in the Grampian Hills,
roughly between the Saint Benedict Monastery and the
Saint Augustine Vespers House along Drahner Road.
The first tiny area is just west of the Drahner Road--Hosner Road intersection.
As you drive west from this intersection (past the monastery),
note the small "bump" on your left (south). This is area 3. You can find a
place to park near here and just stand next to the fence post (or somewhere
close by) to claim this one. As you go a little farther west on Drahner Road,
you'll cut across the southern tip of the large fourth area. There is a white
rock just south of the road here, and a pull-off with a "No Hunting" sign.
Hike north into the woods to an east-west stone wall that cuts across the
higher-feeling area of this contour.