Highland Springs Recreation Area spreads across 3,200 acres of Lake County watershed just outside Lakeport, and it’s one of those places where you can spend a full day exploring without feeling like you’ve covered everything. The terrain is genuinely rugged—steep hillsides, rocky sections, and views that open up suddenly as you crest ridges. You’re walking on trails that have existed in some form for over 130 years, originally developed by hunters on horseback, so there’s real history under your feet.

The trail network consists mostly of narrow single-track paths that wind through the landscape at serious angles. That steepness means you’ll get a real workout, but it also means fewer casual crowds once you get past the initial sections. The views of the surrounding hills and water access points make the effort worthwhile. My dog and I appreciated that the trails felt genuinely wild without being unmaintainable—they’re well-used enough to be clear but not so hammered that erosion is destroying them.

Beyond hiking, the property supports horseback riding, carriage rides, and mountain biking on both single-track and fire roads, so you’ll encounter different users depending on the time and season. If you want something lower-key, there’s disc golfing, picnicking, swimming areas, and fishing spots. Paddling opportunities exist on the water features throughout the property.

The landscape itself is the main draw—rolling terrain, native vegetation, and legitimate elevation gain without the crowds you’d find at more famous spots. Come prepared with water and a good map since trail conditions vary. The area can get hot in summer, so early morning or late afternoon visits work best. It’s managed by Lake County Water Resources, and they maintain the land as a working watershed while keeping public access open.