Ogle County High Point Trip Report

Date: July 1, 2001
Author: John Mitchler

This farmland bump lies on Hardpan Ridge south of Freeport in the rich farm country of northern IL. My first attempt (in September) was thwarted by tall corn. This year it was planted in soybeans so the 1000' stroll was easy. Best bet is dry weather in winter.

From the southeast edge of Freeport, locate Hollywood Road at Business US 20. Set odometer and head south on paved Hollywood. At 5.8 miles, turn left (east) on Montague Road, and at mile 6.8 turn right (south) on gravel Springfield Road. Stop at mile 6.9. Note the drainage gulley to the right (west).

The highpoint is at the head of the drainage. From the road you have a superb view to the east. The nuclear power plant cooling towers near Byron loom large.