Clare County High Point Trip Report

2 small areas in SE 1/4 of SE 1/4 (1,388+ ft) - 13-19N-5W

Date: April 29, 2007
Author: Andy Hatzos

The highest points in Clare County are very easy to reach. They are located just west of Harrison, near the center of the county. The US-127 freeway runs right through the area.

Starting at the intersection of Business Route 127 and M-61 in downtown Harrison, I headed west on M-61. Less than a mile down the road, I turned north on Byfield Drive (Old 61), which runs through a subdivision and bends west. I took this road to Coolidge Ave, and turned north. Coolidge bends east and becomes Townline Lake Road, and it is at this corner that I pulled off to the west edge and parked. Just southwest of here is the microwave tower site shown on the topo.

From here, it was an easy hike to the west along a primitive road, which turns north near the top of the ridge. The south area is located off to the west of the trail, near a small lookout tower along the route. I did some bushwhacking to find the highest ground, which wasn't any more than 150 feet from the trail. The second area is located in a clearing at the end of the road, and is likely the higher of the two areas. There are three trailers parked at the top, but no one was around.

I was back to my car within 20 minutes, and the round-trip hike was probably around three-quarters of a mile.

PICTURES:
Picture 01 (218 k) - My parking spot, at the intersection of Coolidge Ave and Townline Lake Road.
Picture 02 (216 k) - The trail heading north. The southern area is located to the left of the tower.
Picture 03 (225 k) - The summit of the northern area.

--Part of the April 29, 2007 "North-Central Michigan" COHP Trip --Clare, Gladwin, Roscommon, Ogemaw, Arenac, Bay

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