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Timms Hill
Timms Hill
Timms Hill
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Timms Hill or Timm's Hill is the highest natural point in the U.S. state of Wisconsin[3] and is located in north-central Wisconsin in Timms Hill County Park in the Town of Hill in Price County. After being surveyed by Quentin Stevens of Ogema Telephone Co in 1962, Timms Hill was discovered to have an elevation of 1,951.5 ft (595 m). It is less than 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Highway 86, about midway between Ogema and Spirit and about 23 miles (37 km) west of Tomahawk.[4]

Key Information

Description

[edit]

Timms Hill is located in Timms Hill County Park. A public lookout tower is atop the hill. Visible to the southeast is Rib Mountain (elev. 1,924 ft, 586 m), 44 miles away by line of sight.[5] The 10-mile (16 km) Timms Hill Trail connects to the Ice Age Trail,[6] a National Scenic Trail stretching 1,200 miles (1,900 km) across glacial terrain in Wisconsin.

The tower at the top of Timms Hill.

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Timms Hill 45.4497 N, 90.1974 W, Elevation: 1,837 ft (560 m) (1991–2020 normals)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 19.6
(−6.9) 		24.6
(−4.1) 		36.2
(2.3) 		49.5
(9.7) 		63.3
(17.4) 		72.3
(22.4) 		76.6
(24.8) 		74.3
(23.5) 		66.5
(19.2) 		52.2
(11.2) 		37.1
(2.8) 		24.7
(−4.1) 		49.7
(9.9)
Daily mean °F (°C) 10.3
(−12.1) 		13.5
(−10.3) 		24.9
(−3.9) 		38.4
(3.6) 		52.0
(11.1) 		61.5
(16.4) 		65.9
(18.8) 		63.7
(17.6) 		56.1
(13.4) 		42.7
(5.9) 		29.5
(−1.4) 		16.8
(−8.4) 		39.6
(4.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 1.0
(−17.2) 		2.5
(−16.4) 		13.7
(−10.2) 		27.3
(−2.6) 		40.7
(4.8) 		50.7
(10.4) 		55.2
(12.9) 		53.0
(11.7) 		45.8
(7.7) 		33.3
(0.7) 		21.8
(−5.7) 		8.9
(−12.8) 		29.5
(−1.4)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.09
(28) 		1.03
(26) 		1.58
(40) 		2.77
(70) 		3.64
(92) 		4.48
(114) 		3.88
(99) 		3.90
(99) 		3.69
(94) 		3.18
(81) 		1.85
(47) 		1.41
(36) 		32.5
(826)
Source: PRISM Climate Group[7]

See also

[edit]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Timms Hill

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Timms Hill is the highest natural point in the U.S. state of , reaching an elevation of 1,951.5 feet (595 m) above and situated in north-central within Timms Hill County Park in Price County. This modest prominence, ranking 39th among U.S. states by highest elevation, attracts visitors for its accessible summit and scenic surroundings in the Northwoods region. The encompassing Timms Hill offers an that provides panoramic views of the surrounding forests and lakes, accessible via a short trail with an elevation gain of about 98 feet. Additional amenities include trails such as the Timm's Hill National Trail, a 10-mile non-motorized path connecting to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, along with a boat landing, pier, and picnic areas. Entry to the is free, though donations are encouraged to support maintenance, making it a well-maintained destination for outdoor enthusiasts and highpointing seekers.

Geography

Location and Access

Timms Hill is situated in , within the Town of Hill, where it forms the centerpiece of Timms Hill County Park. The site lies approximately 23 miles west of and is positioned midway between the small communities of Ogema to the east and Spirit to the west. Its precise geographic coordinates are 45°27′03″N 90°11′43″W. The hill occupies a position in north-central , emblematic of the expansive Northwoods region characterized by dense forests and glacial landscapes. This area borders the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, providing a gateway to broader protected woodlands and recreational opportunities in the state's northern expanse. Access to Timms Hill is facilitated primarily by Wisconsin Highway 86, which runs east-west through the region and serves as the main approach route. From , travelers head west on WI-86 for about 23 miles before turning south onto County Road RR, following signs for approximately 1 mile to the entrance. Visitors from farther east, such as Rhinelander, can reach the site by proceeding west on U.S. Highway 8 to Tomahawk and then continuing on WI-86, covering roughly 50 miles in total. The park features paved roads leading to parking areas, ensuring year-round accessibility, though winter visitors may need to park at the County Road RR and Ring School Road intersection during gate closures.

Elevation and Topography

Timms Hill reaches an elevation of 1,951.5 feet (594.8 meters) above sea level, making it the highest natural point in Wisconsin. This measurement is supported by benchmarks from the National Geodetic Survey and U.S. Geological Survey topographic data. Its topographic prominence is 425 feet (130 meters), determined by the elevation drop to the surrounding low points, such as the key col along Farley Creek-Perch River at 1,526 feet (465 meters). Geologically, Timms Hill is a glacial hill formed during the Glacial Stage of the last Ice Age, approximately 12,000 years ago, when massive ice sheets deposited thick accumulations of debris across northern . The hill features gentle slopes rising about 100 feet to the summit, covered in dense mixed northern hardwood forests including maples, oaks, and pines, with no steep cliffs or rocky outcrops present. This subdued landform reflects the broader glacial sculpting of the region, where rolling hills and dominate rather than dramatic peaks. In Wisconsin's geography, Timms Hill marks the northern extent of the state's highest elevations within the Northern Highland , which occupies the upper third of the state and contrasts sharply with the flatter Central Plain to the south. This positioning highlights the subtle but significant relief created by Pleistocene glaciation, elevating the landscape by up to 1,951 feet above in the north before descending southward.

History

Surveying and Naming

The region encompassing Timms Hill was part of the broader Flambeau River watershed explored by surveyors and loggers during the 19th century, as Wisconsin underwent extensive public land surveys to facilitate settlement and timber harvesting. These early surveys, conducted primarily in the 1850s and 1860s by the U.S. General Land Office, documented the area's topography, including prominent elevations like Timms Hill, though without formal recognition as the state's highest point, a distinction then informally held by features such as Rib Mountain. The name Timms Hill (variously spelled Timm's Hill or Tim's Hill) originates from Timothy Gahan, a logger and early who established a on nearby Timms Lake in the late during the height of Wisconsin's boom. Local historical accounts indicate that Gahan's presence in the area, part of the influx of workers drawn to the vast pine forests, led to the hill being named in his honor, with the first documented references appearing in local records from that era. A later adjustment to the spelling with double "m's" was reportedly made by a local to appeal to state conservation authorities. Interest in precisely measuring Timms Hill's elevation arose in the mid-20th century amid efforts to identify Wisconsin's true high point. In 1962, Quentin Stevens, an engineer with the Ogema Telephone Company, conducted a detailed survey using a and leveling instruments, determining the hill's height at 1,951.5 feet (595 meters) above . This measurement, which surpassed prior estimates for other candidates like at 1,941 feet, established Timms Hill's status as the state's highest natural point and was subsequently confirmed through benchmarks set by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Geodetic Survey (NGS).

Park Development

Following the 1962 survey that confirmed Timms Hill as Wisconsin's highest natural point, Price County acquired the land in 1978 from the Beaver Land Company to protect the site and develop it for public use. This purchase marked the initial step in transforming the privately held property into a county-managed recreational area, emphasizing preservation of the 1,951.5-foot while encouraging in the Northwoods region. Timms Hill County Park officially opened to the public in 1983, encompassing approximately 220 acres of forested terrain, including shorelines along Bass Lake and Timm's Lake. Key early developments included the construction of an at the summit, offering visitors elevated views of the surrounding woodlands and lakes, which quickly became a central attraction to draw regional tourists and high-point enthusiasts. In the following decade, the park integrated with the national trail system through the designation of the 10-mile Timm's Hill Trail in 1990, serving as a connector to the National Scenic Trail and enhancing access for hikers and . Further expansions involved trail development and basic amenities, supported by county appropriations and state grants aimed at bolstering public land infrastructure. The park has been operated by the Price County Parks Department since its inception, with maintenance funded primarily through county budgets, private donations, and nominal fees for services such as camping and group shelters. Entry to the park remains free, fostering steady growth in visitation from local residents to broader regional audiences seeking natural landmarks and low-impact outdoor experiences. This management approach has sustained the site's role as a preserved public asset, balancing conservation with accessible .

Timms Hill County Park

Facilities and Amenities

Timms Hill County Park features a prominent 50-foot constructed at the , providing visitors with panoramic views extending up to 30 miles across the Northwoods . The tower, accessible via a short uphill path from the main parking area, serves as the park's centerpiece for appreciating the elevated terrain. Picnic areas are available throughout the , equipped with tables, grills, and an open-air that includes and can be reserved for group use. Vaulted restrooms are provided near the and picnic sites, though they close during winter months. A large paved area accommodates vehicles, with alternative winter parking located at the nearby intersection of Ring School Road and County Road RR. Additional amenities include a boat landing and fishing pier on Bass Lake, allowing for water-based activities, as well as a swimming beach and playground equipment for family visitors. is available via faucets and fountains from mid-April through mid-to-late October, weather permitting. The park maintains a rustic character, with no on-site for general use beyond the reservable shelter and no modern lodging options. Accessibility features are limited; while the main parking and picnic areas are reachable by vehicle, the path to the involves a strenuous uphill walk that is not fully accessible. The park operates year-round, with gates open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. between May and , and foot access available during winter, though services like water and restrooms are seasonal. Admission is free, with suggested donations encouraged to support maintenance, and the park is pet-friendly provided animals are kept on a and away from areas and buildings. These facilities emphasize a low-impact, nature-focused experience, complementing the park's hiking trails without providing extensive modern infrastructure.

Trails and Recreation

Timms Hill County offers a network of trails designed for various skill levels, emphasizing the area's glacial landscape and connection to larger trail systems. The primary route to the summit is the 0.4-mile Green Trail, an easy to moderate path with 98 feet of elevation gain that leads hikers through mixed hardwood forests to the , typically taking 15 to 30 minutes round trip. For longer excursions, the 10-mile Timms Hill National Trail provides a moderate, non-motorized route that starts within the park and links directly to the National Scenic Trail, traversing hilly terrain with interpretive signs detailing the region's glacial history and past. Additional park trails include shorter loops such as the 1-mile Hardwoods Trail, the 1 1/8-mile Timms Lake Trail, the 1 1/4-mile Bass Lake Trail, and the 1/4-mile Pearson Lake Trail, offering opportunities to explore adjacent woodlands and lakesides while accumulating several miles of interconnected paths. These routes are marked with color-coded blazes for easy navigation, and the overall system supports a range of recreational activities year-round, including , , horseback riding (seasonally from May 1 to November 15), amid the Northwoods canopy, and high-point bagging for those completing state elevation lists. In winter, the trails accommodate snowshoeing and on groomed paths, with the Timms Hill National Trail maintained for classic and skate styles after snowfalls, alongside and winter ATV trails. Adjacent Bass Lake enhances water-based recreation with from the and via the , while is available seasonally. Visitors are encouraged to follow principles, keep pets leashed, and note seasonal hunting closures that may affect trail access, ensuring minimal environmental impact on this sensitive glacial terrain.

Natural Environment

Climate

Timms Hill experiences a classified as Dfb according to the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Data from the nearby Ogema , located at an of 1,582 feet (482 m), provide the basis for characterizing local conditions using 1991–2020 normals from the State Climatology Office. The mean annual at the Ogema station is 39.6°F (4.2°C), reflecting the region's temperate profile with significant seasonal variation. Winters are harsh, with the average low reaching -3.5°F (-19.7°C), while summers are comfortable, as evidenced by the average high of 77.5°F (25.3°C). These temperatures underscore the cold, snowy winters and relatively warm typical of northern . Precipitation totals average 32.5 inches (826 mm) annually, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year to support the area's lush forests. Snowfall averages 60 inches (152 cm), with the majority accumulating from through , contributing to the winter landscape and influencing recreational activities like on park trails. Timms Hill's is influenced by its of 1,951 feet (595 m), which introduces a slight cooling effect via the atmospheric of approximately 3.5°F (1.9°C) per 1,000 feet (305 m) of gain compared to lower surrounding areas. The dense forested cover further moderates temperature extremes by providing shade and retaining moisture, resulting in higher humidity levels than observed in southern .

Ecology

Timms Hill lies within the North Central Forest Ecological Landscape, characterized by a mixed ous-deciduous forest dominated by mesic northern hardwoods, including species such as sugar maple, basswood, red maple, eastern hemlock, yellow birch, and eastern white pine. These forests cover approximately 75% of the landscape, interspersed with aspen-birch stands and lowland areas featuring and on acidic soils. The underlying glacial till soils, remnants of the last , support diverse microhabitats, including edges adjacent to nearby lakes like Bass Lake, where bogs, fens, and marshes provide transitional zones between upland forests and aquatic systems. The flora of the Timms Hill area reflects the Northwoods ecosystem, with dominant canopy trees such as eastern white pine, eastern hemlock, and sugar maple forming a layered forest structure. The understory features ferns like ostrich fern and a variety of wildflowers, including trillium and lady's slipper orchids, which thrive in the shaded, moist conditions of the hardwood-conifer mix. This vegetation contributes to the broader Northern Highland-American Wildlife Area, encompassing adjacent protected lands that enhance regional plant diversity through connected habitats. Fauna at Timms Hill includes a range of mammals adapted to the forested environment, such as , , and , which utilize the dense cover for foraging and shelter. Bird species are prominent, with frequenting the understory for nesting and excavating cavities in mature hardwoods for roosting and feeding. Nearby wetlands host amphibians like the and , which breed in shallow waters and migrate into forested edges during non-breeding seasons. As part of Timms Hill County Park, the area receives protection that safeguards its , including efforts to restore characteristics and preserve wetland integrity. However, threats from persist, notably non-native earthworms such as jumping worms (Amynthas spp.), which consume the organic leaf litter layer, altering soil structure and reducing habitat suitability for native understory plants and associated . Timms Hill also plays a key role in the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, serving as a segment of this extensive biodiversity corridor that connects fragmented habitats across , facilitating wildlife movement and genetic exchange.

References

  1. https://www.travelwisconsin.com/county-parks/timms-hill-county-park-204266
  2. https://www.summitpost.org/timms-hill/154441
  3. https://www.co.price.wi.us/facilities/facility/details/Timms-Hill-County-Park-4
  4. https://highpoint.guide/wi/
  5. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wisconsin/timms-hill-green-trail-wisconsin-highpoint
  6. https://www.timmshilltrail.com/
  7. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60157-d5967190-Reviews-Timm_s_Hill_County_Park-Ogema_Wisconsin.html
  8. https://gototomahawk.com/resource/timms-hill/
  9. https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=6466
  10. https://www.usgs.gov/educational-resources/highest-and-lowest-elevations
  11. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5ab43153ca734507a703bb900a0365cc
  12. https://wecnmagazine.com/article/from-the-top/
  13. https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/timmshill
  14. https://www.wjfw.com/news/local/exciting-trails-timms-hill-trail-in-ogema-leads-to-observation-tower-of-wisconsins-highest-point/article_f6ae4f3e-f3ce-11ef-9524-1fc6ece08a9c.html
  15. https://outdoorpilgrim.com/high-point-wisconsin/
  16. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/policy/upload/RM-45_2-6-2019.pdf
  17. https://www.co.price.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/9604/Meeting-Materials-10172023
  18. https://wiscoexplorer.com/timms-hill-wisconsins-highest-point/
  19. https://www.timmshilltrail.com/mile01/mile01.htm
  20. https://www.travelwisconsin.com/mountain-biking/timms-hill-trail-197407
  21. https://www.taylorcountytourism.com/trails
  22. https://wisconsintrailguide.com/cross-country-skiing/timms-hill.html
  23. https://www.mindat.org/feature-5259528.html
  24. https://climatology.nelson.wisc.edu/wisconsin-historic-climate-data/climate-normals-by-location/
  25. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/lands/EcologicalLandscapes/NorthCentralForest
  26. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/lands/EcologicalLandscapes/NorthernHighland
  27. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/Herps
  28. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/jumpingWorm
  29. https://www.iceagetrail.org/where-ecology-meets-peoples-experience/
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