Huron Mountains Range

This is a tale of two siblings, each vying for the honor of being the highest elevation in Michigan. Both are located in Baraga County and are part of the rugged Huron Mountains in the Upper Peninsula.

For some 30 years, it was thought Mt. Curwood in Baraga County was the highest point in Michigan. It was no slouch, coming in at 1,978.24 feet above sea level.

But in 1982, a team from the U.S. Geological Survey, using advanced equipment, determined nearby Mt. Arvon rightfully owned the crown. Mt. Arvon registered in at 1,979.238 feet above sea level – a difference of just 11 inches over Mt. Curwood!

Mt. Arvon is located in the beautiful Huron Mountains Range, approximately 27 driving miles from L’Anse. The property is currently owned by Lyme Timber, which graciously allows people to enjoy the vista from the top.

The road to Mt. Arvon is a windy gravel road that’s often used for logging. The road is well graded and suitable for most passenger vehicles, but there are a few rough areas. But come rain, you might want to have a four wheel-drive vehicle. Also, the road is closed and becomes a snowmobile trail from Dec. 1 to March 31. When it reopens, it can be very muddy and not passable until graded for summer. Please call the Convention and Visitor Bureau for road conditions.

Blue Mt. Arvon signs will guide you from town all the way to the summit parking lot. The road takes you through the untouched forest of Northwoods splendor.

As an option, you can hike the last segment to the summit of Mt. Arvon. Look for the parking area and hiking trail sign. The twomile route will take you by a couple of breathtaking waterfalls. A half mile from the top is a beaver pond where – if the scenic gods are with you – you might see a moose snacking on aquatic vegetation.

No matter how you get there, at the summit you’ll find the USGS benchmark, a picnic table and charcoal grill. A short walk further takes you to a cleared area for a great view across the forest as it falls away below the mountain, to the huge expanse of Lake Superior. Anytime is a perfect time to visit Mt. Arvon, but when the leaves brim over with autumn color it’s spectacular!

For complete driving directions, pick up the Mt. Arvon brochure from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, 755 Broad St., L’Anse.

Our other mountains

Mt. Curwood is located about 6 miles southwest of Mt. Arvon as the crow flies. The road to Mt. Curwood is admittedly rougher than its sibling (it’s in our nature!). Four-wheel drive is recommended. Suitable for experienced summit hikers.

Silver Mountain is one of many easily accessible and highly scenic “mountains” in Michigan’s UP. It is not really part of any range, or any major geologic formation, as it is pretty much just an anomaly of resistant rock that made it past the massive glaciation that took place in the last Ice Age. Silver Mountain is southwest of Baraga, near the Sturgeon River Gorge and Wilderness area.

Little Mountain (1,150’) is a peak that lies just south of L’Anse, but is virtually unknown. Don’t let its diminutive size stop you from visiting, the panoramic views of the Huron Mountains and Keweenaw Bay are amazing! Trailhead is at the end of Golf Course Road, 4-1/4 miles from the Visitors Center.

High Pointers

We can’t leave our favorite mountain without noting there’s an organization called High Point Club. “High Pointers” seek out the tallest spot in each of the 50 states, record their visit, and log it on their website, HighpointersFoundation.org. After you complete the trip to Mt. Arvon’s summit, stop by the Convention & Visitors Bureau to pick up your free High Pointer achievement certificate.