1,979 Feet Above Sea Level, This Is The Highest Point In Michigan
There's certainly no shortage of majestic landmarks to marvel at here in The Mitten. For example, there's Michigan's "Big Spring" Kitch-iti-Kipi up in Manistique and the ginormous mountains of sand at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but do we technically have any real mountains in Michigan?
You may have heard of the Porcupine Mountains or the Huron Mountains, but what's the highest point here in Michigan?
What Makes a Mountain?
According to Wikipedia, there is no widely accepted definition of a mountain. Many sources claim that for a time the U.S. Board on Geographic Names once considered a mountain as anything over 1,000 feet above sea level, but has since abandoned that qualification. In the U.K. another over 2,000 is technically considered a mountain, so who's really right?
Mount Arvon
Standing at 1,979 feet above sea level, Mount Arvon is the highest natural point in The Mitten, per Michigan.org. If you're using the U.K. definition, it's just shy of mountain status!
Part of the Huron Mountains, Mount Arvon is located just south of Lake Superior near the town of L'Anse, MI. Formed by "glacial action", the scenic Huron Mountains were reportedly considered for National Parks status but the prestigious Huron Mountain Club, of which Henry Ford was a member, was influential in undermining the parks proposal.
It's interesting to note there was a time when Mount Arvon was not recognized as Michigan's highest point. Also part of the Huron Mountains range is Mount Curwood, which stands at 1,978 feet above sea level. Curwood held the title of Michigan's highest peak until 1982 when a geological survey determined Mount Arvon to be a foot taller.
Visiting Mount Arvon
If you wish to take in the amazing panoramic views from Michigan's highest point you'll need to head to the L'Anse area Up North. According to Awesome Mitten, Mount Arvon once had a reputation as,
...being one of the most difficult state highpoints to reach due to its remoteness and the maze of logging roads one was required to travel to reach the summit.
Thankfully present-day conditions have improved quite a bit! The now well-grade road consists of many twists and turns, but can easily be traversed by most vehicles. Once you get to the parking lot it's only a quick 300-foot walk to the top.
I'll be sure to add this one to my Michigan bucketlist! Have you ever visited any of Michigan's "mountains"?