Location and surroundings
Timms Hill lies in north-central Wisconsin, in the Town of Hill in Price County, United States. At 595 m, it is the highest point of Wisconsin and a local high point rather than a dramatic alpine summit. The surroundings are typical of the Upper Midwest: forested hills, gentle relief, and a landscape shaped by past glaciation.
The hill is set in Timms Hill County Park, less than 1 mile south of Highway 86 and about midway between Ogema and Spirit. The area is quiet and rural, with mixed woodland and small clearings rather than steep rock faces or exposed ridges.
Neighbouring peaks
The nearest named hills and peaks show how modest the relief is around Timms Hill. Several nearby summits rise to similar heights, but none surpass it.
- Pearson Hill — 576 m, 1.3 km east
- Spokes Hill — 538 m, 6.2 km south
- Hallberg Hill — 477 m, 13.9 km west
- Ninemile Hill — 454 m, 38.9 km southeast
- Jack Pine Lookout Tower — 479 m, 40.0 km northeast
- Irma Hill — 536 m, 43.6 km east
- Chase Hill — 534 m, 44.8 km east
- Snow Hill — 452 m, 45.6 km southeast
Timms Hill is higher than each of these nearby points, but only by a small margin over Pearson Hill. That fits the subdued topography of the region, where the highest ground is spread across a broad upland rather than concentrated in a single sharp summit.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest named peak is Fred's Summit at 584 m, about 0.5 km east of Timms Hill. Another notable high point is Sunset Hill, which reaches 561 m and lies 10.6 km to the south.
These nearby heights confirm that the summit sits among a cluster of elevated forest hills. The view from the top is therefore more about rolling woodland and scattered high points than about distant mountain chains. In clear weather, the lookout tower helps extend the outlook over the surrounding north-central Wisconsin landscape.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cold in winter and mild in summer. The warmest month is July, at about 19 °C, while January is the coldest month, at about -12 °C. Mean temperatures at the summit are above freezing from April through October.
Precipitation in the surrounding area is about 850 mm a year. The wettest month is usually June, with about 120 mm, and the driest is January, with about 25 mm. Expect snow and icy tracks in winter, wet ground in spring, summer thunderstorms, and cool, damp conditions in the forest.
Best time to visit
The most comfortable months for a visit are usually the period when temperatures at the summit are above freezing: April to October. Within that window, late spring through early autumn offers the easiest walking conditions and the least winter ice.
For drier footing, January is the driest month on average, but it is also the coldest and least suitable for casual visits. In practice, many visitors will prefer late spring, summer, or early autumn, when the forest is green, the ground is less frozen, and daylight is longer.
Nature and wildlife
Timms Hill sits in a forested part of northern Wisconsin, so the landscape is mainly mixed woodland, with conifers and deciduous trees, mossy ground, and small clearings around park facilities. The elevation is modest, so the vegetation is typical of cool temperate forest rather than subalpine terrain.
Wildlife in this region commonly includes deer, smaller mammals, songbirds, woodpeckers, and other forest species. In summer, insects can be active, while in colder months snow cover and frozen ground change the character of the trails and woods. The park setting makes the summit area more of a woodland high point than a wild mountain environment.
Guides and organised ascents
For a hill of 595 m in a park setting, a certified mountain guide is usually not necessary. The terrain is suited to independent walking, though visitors should still plan for weather, short daylight in winter, and slippery forest paths after rain or snow.
In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose, Wyoming. Guided trips in the U.S. usually depend on trip length, group size, hut or camp nights, and equipment needs.
Safety and preparation
Timms Hill is not technically demanding, but the forest setting still calls for basic preparation: sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and enough water for a short outing. In wet periods, trails and park paths can be muddy; in winter, snow and ice can make even gentle slopes slippery.
For mountain rescue and other emergencies in the United States, call 911. Dispatchers will alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or another local agency. Carry a charged phone, tell someone your plan, and be ready for changing weather even on a short visit.
History and name
Timms Hill, also written Timm's Hill, was surveyed in 1962 by Quentin Stevens of Ogema Telephone Co. That survey established its elevation at 595 m, confirming it as the highest natural point in Wisconsin.
The hill gives its name to Timms Hill County Park, and a lookout tower stands on the summit. The site has long served as a local landmark and a simple destination for visitors interested in state high points rather than technical climbing.
Interesting facts
Timms Hill is the highest point of Wisconsin, but it is part of a broad upland with only modest differences in height between nearby hills. The closest higher point listed within 25 km is Fred's Summit, just 0.5 km away to the east, and the nearest named peak is Pearson Hill, which is only 1.3 km away and 19 m lower.
The summit area is also linked to the Timms Hill Trail, a 10-mile trail that connects to the Ice Age Trail. That connection reflects the glacial history of the region, where the landscape was shaped by ice rather than by alpine uplift.
FAQ
How high is Timms Hill? It rises to 595 m, making it the highest point of Wisconsin.
Where is Timms Hill located? It is in Timms Hill County Park, in the Town of Hill, Price County, in north-central Wisconsin, United States.
What is the nearest named peak? Pearson Hill is the closest named summit, 1.3 km to the east and 576 m high.
What peaks can be seen nearby? Within 25 km, the highest listed point is Fred's Summit at 584 m, 0.5 km east, and Sunset Hill at 561 m lies 10.6 km south.
Is there water on the way to Timms Hill? The hill is in a forested park area, but you should still carry your own water. For a short day visit, plan on about 1.5 to 3 litres depending on heat and walking time.
How is mobile phone coverage? Coverage in the hills is usually patchy and depends on the operator. On open ground near the summit it may be better, while in forest and lower terrain it can weaken. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you set out.
Do I need a guide or permit? It is a straightforward high-point visit rather than a technical ascent.