HomeMichiganLivingston County

Hi-Land Lake

Livingston County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
118.8 acres12 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Hi-Land Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Hi-Land Lake
Hi-Land Lake Boat Launch
Pinckney State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 5 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Hi-Land Lake is part of a chain of lakes that includes Half Moon Lake, connected by a navigable river to the west. The chain sits within the Pinckney Recreation Area's extensive lake and river system in the Huron River watershed. Paddlers can travel between the lakes via the connecting waterway, which reviewers describe as a scenic lazy-river float.

Winter & Ice Safety

Hi-Land Lake is a smaller, likely shallow lake in southern Michigan that should freeze reliably most winters. Ice fishing is plausible here, though it's not specifically noted as a popular ice fishing destination. Always check current ice conditions before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hi-Land Lake?
Hi-Land Lake is in Livingston County within the Pinckney Recreation Area, roughly between Pinckney and Hell, Michigan. The DNR boat access is on Glenbrook Road.
What kind of boat launch does Hi-Land Lake have?
It's a rustic gravel launch suitable for small boats and kayaks — no paved ramp or dock. The road in is a little rough but navigable with a standard vehicle and trailer. It rarely gets crowded.
Is Hi-Land Lake good for kayaking?
Yes — it's one of the better kayaking spots in the Pinckney Recreation Area. The lake is calm and has a small island to paddle to, and the river connecting west to Half Moon Lake and other lakes in the chain makes for a great lazy river paddle with nice scenery and wildlife.
What fish are in Hi-Land Lake?
Reviewers mention fishing as a popular activity, and the lake is also used for duck hunting. Specific species data isn't well documented, but warm-water panfish and bass are typical for lakes in this chain within the Pinckney Recreation Area.
Is Hi-Land Lake connected to other lakes?
Yes — Hi-Land Lake is part of a chain that includes Half Moon Lake. A navigable river connects the lakes to the west, and paddlers describe it as a peaceful lazy-river experience with abundant plants and wildlife along the way.
Are there campgrounds near Hi-Land Lake?
Several, all within the Pinckney Recreation Area. Bruin Lake Modern Campground and Crooked Lake Rustic Campground are the closest state campgrounds. Hell Creek Ranch Campground is a nearby private option.
Can you swim in Hi-Land Lake?
There's a beach area listed at Hi-Land Lake, and the nearby Silver Lake Day Use Area within the Pinckney Recreation Area has a designated swimming beach. Hi-Land Lake itself is more oriented toward paddling and fishing than swimming.
Is there a fee to launch at Hi-Land Lake?
The launch is within the Pinckney Recreation Area, so a Michigan Recreation Passport (on your vehicle registration) or a day-use pass is required.
Are there hiking trails near Hi-Land Lake?
Yes — the Pinckney Recreation Area trail system intersects with the boat launch. Heading south on the trail from the launch leads to a scenic point at the lake's edge near swan territory. Bike trails including the Pinckney Rails-to-Trail are also nearby.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Hi-Land Lake sits in Livingston County within the Pinckney Recreation Area — a smaller, quiet lake that's part of a chain connected to Half Moon Lake via a navigable river. The launch is a rustic gravel ramp off Glenbrook Road, suitable for small boats and kayaks. The road in is a bit rough but manageable. About half the shoreline is private, with the other half bordered by state recreation land. There's a small island in the lake that kayakers use as a rest stop, and the connecting river to the west makes for a lazy paddle through plants and wildlife — reviewers describe it as one of the highlights.

The lake sees a fair amount of speedboat traffic in peak summer, so kayakers and anglers tend to prefer the off-season or early mornings. Fishing and duck hunting are both popular here. The Pinckney Recreation Area trail system intersects with the launch area — head south on the trail for a scenic point at the lake's edge. The launch rarely gets crowded, and the 4.7 Google rating across 20 reviews reflects a spot that locals genuinely enjoy rather than one that draws big crowds.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment