Highland Recreation Area Hike (Oakland County) Register

Date and Time:
Sat, May 9, 2026; 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Southeast Michigan Group

Location: 5138 Haven Rd, White Lake, MI 48383, USA

Map | Directions

This rolling loop hike through Highland Recreation Area will take you through hardwood forests, wetlands, lakeshores, open meadows, and the historic remains of Edsel Ford’s Haven Hill Estate, built in the 1920s. Although the main lodge burned down, participants can still view the gatehouse and other remaining structures at the park's entrance. During the hike, we’ll also pass by the carriage house and the main lodge ruins, offering a glimpse into the estate's past.

Meeting Time and Location:

We’ll meet at 9:15am at the Parking Lot at Haven Road and Moraine Road, Highland, MI. The hike will start promptly at 9:30am, so please don't be late.

Hike Leader:
For questions, email sierra.club.semg@gmail.com.

Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and seasonally appropriate clothing. To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.

Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.

All hikes are free and open to everyone, but donations are gratefully accepted. Donations from our outing program support both our outings program and conservation projects at the places where we hike, such as a pollinator planting we are supporting at Independence Oaks in Oakland County. Donations may be made online at: https://givebutter.com/FKX

As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, donations allow us to lobby and sometimes litigate for environmental protections. This tax status gives us a broader ability to enact change, but it also means that gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible. Whether you’re able to give or not, everyone is welcome on our hikes, and your support in any form is appreciated.

Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.

Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.

Level: Moderate

Cancellation Policy: The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.