| Elevation | 1,979 ft/603 m |
| Latitude/Longitude (WGS84) | 46° 45′ 20” N, 88° 9′ 19” W 46.755666, -88.15534 (Dec Deg) 411765 E 5178661 N, Zone 16 (UTM) |
| Country | United States |
| State/Province | Michigan |
Discovering Michigan’s Rooftop: A Hiker’s Guide to Mount Arvon
Tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, just miles from the rocky coastline of Lake Superior, sits the state’s highest natural point: Mount Arvon. While it may not boast the dramatic elevation of Western peaks, this 1,979-foot summit offers something quieter—solitude, dense Northwoods beauty, and the satisfaction of standing atop the highest ground in the Great Lakes State.
Where Is Mount Arvon?
Mount Arvon is located in Baraga County, in the western part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The peak is part of the Huron Mountains, a rugged, ancient range that’s among the oldest on the continent. Though the summit is just 12 miles from Lake Superior as the crow flies, the winding, forested gravel roads to get there make the drive feel like a true backwoods adventure.
Interestingly, for many years, Mount Curwood held the title of Michigan’s high point. But a 1982 survey determined Mount Arvon was actually 11 feet taller, and it officially claimed the crown.
What’s the Hike Like?
Mount Arvon is more of a walk than a hike in the traditional sense. The “trail” to the summit is primarily an unpaved, well-maintained forest road accessible by most vehicles during the snow-free months. A short walk through the trees at the end of the road leads to a clearing, marked by a blue sign, a logbook, and a rustic bench—a quiet and peaceful high point experience.
Because the area is managed by the MeadWestvaco Paper Company, the land remains undeveloped but open to respectful public access.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: ~0.3 miles round trip (from parking to summit)
- Elevation: 1,979 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs allowed: Yes
What Makes Mount Arvon Special?
Mount Arvon may not draw peakbaggers in droves, but it offers a unique kind of reward. The summit doesn’t deliver sweeping alpine views, but instead offers a quiet, forested serenity that’s quintessentially Michigan. Nearby, there are vistas overlooking Lake Superior, dense woodlands, and seasonal waterfalls—especially beautiful in autumn when the trees erupt in reds, golds, and oranges.
In addition to hiking, the area is popular for:
- Leaf-peeping during fall
- Birdwatching and wildlife spotting
- Photography (especially sunrise over Lake Superior)
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter
Getting There
GPS Coordinates: 46.7561° N, 88.1584° W
Reaching Mount Arvon requires navigating gravel roads through timber company land. Look for the blue signs along Arvon Road, and bring a vehicle that can handle a bit of uneven terrain, especially in spring or after heavy rains.
Nearby Attractions
- L’Anse Township Park – A scenic spot on Lake Superior, perfect for a post-summit picnic.
- Canyon Falls – A short hike leads to this dramatic waterfall along the Sturgeon River.
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Just a couple of hours away, the “Porkies” offer backcountry trails and lakeside camping.
Highpointers Welcome
If you’re chasing state high points, Mount Arvon is a peaceful checkmark on your list. Unlike more grueling climbs like Mount Rainier or even Mount Marcy, Arvon offers a family-friendly, accessible introduction to highpointing—without losing any of the personal significance that comes with standing on a state’s summit.
Don’t forget to sign the summit register!
