Highland lake is not the traditional "round" body of water that s usually perceived, but rather like a large river. It varies in width from hundreds of yards to a hundred feet.

Years ago, Highland lake served the logging industry, and was three ponds that were connected by a damn.

The lake is a shallow "warm water" lake that varies from three feet deep to over thirty feet deep in isolated areas. The shoreline differs in structures from rock outcroppings, tree groups, streams, coves, cottages, and houses. Different varieties of bird species are often sighted, from water fowls (loons, etc.) to the occasional eagle sighting.

Fishing is a constant, low-key activity that focuses on largemouth and small mouth bass, perch, pickerel, and hornpout.

Highland Lake is not congested, because of its isolation from general traffic. (The lake cannot be driven around by car.) The most frequent  comment of new visitors to the lake is, "We can't believe how great this lake is!"