Coles County High Point Trip Report

Date: October 31, 2001
Author: Tim Worth

These county highpoints are 6 for 6, that is, each is located in a corn field.

The first two areas are just west of the Clark cohp in Westfield, IL. Pass into Coles county by traveling west on Westfield road. At the county line, there is an overgrown road to the left(south), just before a the S- shaped curve in the main road. Drive to the top of the small bump. The two highpoints are obvious: The first is just north of the farmhouse foundation, the second is about 80 yards to the west of the foundation.

The third area is about 1.5 miles to the north of the first two areas. Take 500N west, turn north on 2400E. A bulldozer was blocking 2400E when I was there, forcing me to go another mile west to 2300E. Get to 600N, turn right (east) towards the county line. Hit the T intersection, make a left, and you are at Otterbein Cemetery. I noticed a number of old gravestones, some dating back to the 1830's. The HP is a ridge behind the cemetery, to the west, in a field.

Area four is south of area three. Take 600N west, make a left (south) at 2300N. Pass a junkyard/car dealership, continue south until you reach 380N, also called Harvest Road. Make a right(west) to the farmhouse and barns. This farm featured cows, horses, and dogs, but I could not find the owner for permission. I drove to the end of the dirt road past some old farm equipment. The HP was a small ridge in the cornfield, maybe 50 yards to the northwest of the dead end. I jogged to the top, then retreated to my car to finish the county.

The last two areas are on the other side of the county. Take state route 16 west, passing through Charleston. Make a left (south) at the first intersection (875E?) before reaching I-57. Make a left (west) at Old State road, pass over the interstate, then pass a ritzy neighborhood to the left. Turn left at the next major road (unmarked). Again go over the interstate, pass a road to your left until you reach a water tower, also on your left. The high contour encompasses this entire area, it appeared to be one of the flattest cohps I have visited. I estimated the HP to be in a field just to the south of the water tower. From the water tower, take the westbound road over the interstate. The high area is to the left (south), before you reach the first house. This cornfield had not been harvested, so I trudged through the stalks to the high contour.