Lawrence County High Point Trip Report

Date: November 3, 2001
Author: Bob Schwab

From Bedford, Indiana, drive northwest on Route 58 to the town of Springville. Turn north and drive 0.4 mile through the town to the second intersection that goes to the right after you cross the brook (bridge). Turn right on this paved road (Spencer Pike) and drive 2.1 miles north on a fairly scenic drive (note the valley to the right) until you come to a large gray house on your right just as the road bends gently to the left. This is the home of Albert Cross (2164 Spencer Pike), and I found him very informed about the geology of the area (there are two geologic zones that come together here). The highpoint has been in his family since the early 1800s, and his father (also named Albert Cross) actually lives at the summit in a trailer. Mr. Cross generously granted me permission to drive up the gated road to his father's place at the highpoint. The road may be a bit challenging for passenger cars, especially after a rain. I found Mr. Cross Sr. to also be a very friendly and gracious host. He told me quite a bit of history about the area, and led me to BM Beard (945 feet) and BM Beard 2 which are directly behind his trailer. The other contour area is just west a few hundred feet, in his vineyard.