OverviewFrom the top of North America to the top of a trailer park in suburban Delaware, this collection of 50 mountains and otherwise obscure places quite possibly ranks as America's most unique peakbagging list. Unlike most lists of mountains that fall within the natural boundaries of geologic formations, United States highpoints are both a testament to man's need to draw his own geographic boundaries and a celebration of some of the most beautiful places on the North American continent. The names Denali, Rainier, Hood, Gannett and Granite are enough to make nearly any mountaineer drool. But Ebright Azimuth? Jerimoth Hill? Britton Hill? Panorama Point? Mount Sunflower? Surely you must be kidding! But in the world of state highpointing, all of these places share equal footing. And perhaps for the thousands of Americans who pursue the hobby at least casually, the journey that is highpointing is more important than the final destinations. There may in fact be no more enjoyable way to see America.
It has been a long-standing tradition of the Highpointers Club to allow ascent of these high points by any means - including motor vehicles. However, the pages of Summit Post tend to focus more on hiking and mountaineering routes than the easiest way available. Drive up Mount Mitchell, North Carolina or Mount Washington, New Hampshire if you wish but a review of the 50 pages of this mountain group offers the traveler many more intriguing ways to visit the zeniths of the states. Of course, it should also be said that no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to make mountains out of some of these molehills. Move the state lines of Kansas or Nebraska a few miles to the east and Mount Sunflower and Panorama Point become utterly insignificant.
It is the goal of this group page to simply provide an overview of the highpoints and a few words about the Highpointers Club and its history. For the main course, take a look at the individual pages, many of which are simply outstanding on every level. The contributors to this website have spent many hours of time preparing these mountain pages and the results speak for themselves.
Mount Whitney, California |
West Region Mt. McKinley
Mt. McKinley is often referred to as Denali, the Athabascan name meaning "The Great One".
At 20,320 feet, Denali is the tallest peak in North American and the focus of
many climber's goals. The standard route up the mountain is the West
Buttress, and from May until July the route is a crowded series of camps from
7,800 feet until the high camp at just over 17,000 feet. Most climbers fly in
from Talkeetna, a small town almost completely centered around the climbing of
Denali. While on the mountain, you're likely to see climbing teams from many
different nations. As one of the seven summits, Denali attracts a lot of
attention from the international climbing community. Besides the exquisite
beauty and grandeur of the mountain, one of the best experiences can be the camaraderie
between climbing groups from the different nations. The subtlety in climbing
styles, attitude toward the mountain, and usage of gear is a fascinating
study.
The 14,000 foot camp on Denali is the largest on the mountain and has been
described as a "beach", "tent city", and even "the
parking lot of a Grateful dead show". Over 100 tents are typically set up
here including the National Park Service. The camp's southern facing exposure
along with the fact that it's located in a sheltered bowl, often make for
pleasant and warm conditions. This is definitely not a typical wilderness
experience, and it is not uncommon for individuals to have no intention of going
further than 14,000 feet. Up to 14,000 feet it requires nothing more than
glacier travel and hard work. Conversely, the 17,000 foot camp is
typically a place where you want to spend as little time as possible. After a
short acclimation here, most parties attempt to summit from this camp.
High winds and extreme cold can pin down parties between 17,000 and the summit,
for days on end. Injury and even death is common above the 14,000 foot
camp and a typical day during peak season has several rescue operations or body
recoveries. The "thwock" of the NPS rescue helicopter was a common
sound from 14-17,000 feet. The sheer number and varying ability of climbers
contributes to this occurrence.
The most important elements for success on Denali include: preparation,
teamwork, and conditioning. For the typical high pointer the biggest
technical challenges will be the rigging of sleds, the use of cramp-ons and
ice-ax, the proficiency in a rope rescue system, and use of a mechanical
ascender. For more experienced parties the biggest challenges will be the
weather conditions, the effects of altitude on the body, and cooperation amongst
teammates. Those seeking a more challenging, yet far less crowded route up the
mountain may wish to try the Muldrow Glacier, the West Rib, the Cassin Ridge, and the South Buttress.
Click
here for a detailed, day by day trip report.
Mt. Whitney
Considered by many to be over crowded, easy, and over managed, Mt. Whitney is
a spectacular peak and the highest point in the lower 48 states at 14,496. The
most popular route up the high point of California is the Whitney Trail with its 99 switchbacks and Class 1
rating. It is not uncommon to see trail runners and streams of hikers on the
route. The 22 mile round trip trail is typically done in a day and includes some
dramatic views once you crest. At this point you are officially in Sequoia National
Park and the
views of the backcountry are exceptional.
The Mountaineer's
Route was first climbed by the legendary John Muir in 1873 and along with
the East Face
provide excellent alternatives to the Whitney Trail. Another great
alternative approach would be a multi-day trip through Sequoia National Park
starting from the west side of the park. Because of the high levels of
usage, overnight and day hiking quotas are in effect from May to November.
One of the great aspects of Mt. Whitney for climbers is its year round
access. The peak sits relatively south in the Sierras and there are many sunny
winter days that give great off season opportunities. Still, heavy snow
and cold temperatures occur during the winter, but compared to some areas, it's
a relatively mild region. Winter ascents more often require overnight
stays.
 Elbert from Near Leadville Mt. Elbert
Despite being the 2nd highest peak in the lower 48 states, Mt. Elbert isn't
the discussion piece that it could be given its great beauty, easy access, and
importance to High Pointers and Colorado 14er's. The peak does see a good
amount of ascents, and its 9.2+ mile roundtrip hike to the summit is an
attainable goal for most. Winter ascents are possible, which offer another
dimension to the possibilities. The views from the summit are intense with the
Sawatch, Elk, Sangre de Cristo, and Mosquito Ranges all encompassing. The nearby
town of Leadville has a rich mining history and has hosted such western legends
as Doc Holliday, Kit Carson, and Buffalo Bill Cody.
Click
Here for a Trip Report from a State High Pointer
Mt. Rainier
The sparks from cramp-ons on the exposed Disappointment Clever rocks in a
pre-dawn start, the audible groans and startling cracks from the active
glaciers, the continuous barrage of brilliant green meteors entering the
atmosphere in the dark night, and the sudden emergence of 25 guided climbers
from an underground bunker at 10,000 feet. These are a few of the unique sensory
experiences that are common on Mt. Rainier. With collapsing snow bridges,
avalanches, route finding problem, and sudden severe weather during peak
climbing season, Rainier is a serious mountain that has deaths, injuries, and
rescues each year.
With its close proximity to Seattle, and the fact that Rainier is a huge
mountain with 20+ routes, this high point sees a large number of climbers each
year. It is considered by many to be the best training ground in the lower 48
for McKinley and other larger mountains with glacier travel and steep
snow. The Disappointment Clever Route is one of the most common routes,
yet each year the various routes slightly change due to the active glaciers.
Serious climbers seeking a great challenge should consider the Liberty Ridge
Route, perhaps the best snow/ice test piece in the lower 48. Liberty Ridge
involves steep, direct climbing, no margin of error, and a level of commitment
where your forced to continue up and over- a daunting dilemma during
inclement weather.
Expect winter time conditions year round, with sudden, wet and snowy storms
common in July and August, followed by clear and sub freezing weather. Often,
Rainier will sit above the clouds- you'll travel from rainy conditions in
Seattle to rainy or snowy conditions at Paradise, and emerge above the weather.
For Statistical Climbing
Success Rates Click Here . In 2005, 8,972 people attempted to climb Mount Rainier; 4,604 of them actually reached the summit.
 Island Lake on Gannett Approach The most remote state high point requires a long (40-50 miles) roundtrip hike
and climb to reach its summit. Unlike the rival Teton Range, The Wind River
Range doesn't reveal its beauty until your hiking into its backcountry. The Winds hold numerous backcountry lakes, glaciers, and rocky summits.
The standard route from the Pole Creek Trailhead involves a potential camp at
the north end of the glacially carved Titcomb Basin and a snow climb up and
over Dinwoody Pass (Bonney Pass) at 13,000 feet, before the true summit is
climbed up via the Gooseneck Ridge. On the descent, a 1200 foot climb back up
and over Bonney Pass is required. A common perception on a Gannett trip is
that the approach is as beautiful, if not more so, than the summit.
Along with good conditioning, Gannett typically requires proficient usage of
ice-ax, cramp-ons, and a rope. It's debatable, but Gannett is often considered the 2nd to 4th hardest state high point.
Mauna Kea
Yes, snow falls on the top of this 13,796 foot Hawaiian volcano. Mauna Kea
means "white mountain" in Hawaiian, and from the depths of the nearby
ocean floor to the summit is 33,000 feet. A road leads to the top, and the
summit is filled with large, white domed observatories- the largest collection
of astronomical telescopes on the planet.
The Mauna Kea trail starts at the visitor center, climbs 4576 feet in 6
miles, and provides a good way to the summit. Another interesting option is the
utilization of a mountain bike for a portion of the climb.
Kings Peak
The seventh highest State High Point is situated in the High Uinta Wilderness
Area of north-central Utah. The Henry's Fork approach is the standard
route and it is typically done in 2 days, although the strongest could do this
in a long day. Moose are often seen along the approach and altitude sickness is
a common complaint. Nearby South Kings Peak was thought of as the state
high point as late as the 1960s. Elbert, Kings, Gannett, Granite, and Harney peaks would make a good High Points swing trip for visitors from other areas.
Wheeler Peak
The highest peak in "The Land of Enchantment" lies in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range
of New Mexico and Colorado. The most common hiking options include the
Bull-of-the-Woods Trail which goes 16 miles roundtrip and is quite scenic, or
the Williams Lake Trail which is just 6 miles roundtrip but less scenic.
Wheeler Peak is a good candidate for a Fall ascent, as the days are often warm
and clear with the nights cold. Typical climbing season is May to
November, with winter ascents a possibility.
Boundary Peak
At the northern end of the White Mountains, lies Boundary Peak, the highest
point in Nevada at 13,140 ft. Within this range, which spans Nevada and
California, are some higher peaks. White Mountain is the highest in this range
and the third highest in California. Nearby Montgomery Peak (13,441) is
taller and craggier than Boundary and is visible from the summit ridge.
Many plan to do Boundary and some of these other peaks in one outing. The nature
of the climb up the Trail Canyon Route is scree with some minor scrambling near
the top. Solitude can be easily found here as the general climbing season is
long with year round climbing being possible. Like most other larger peaks,
Boundary receives snow and frequent high winds.
Granite Peak
Granite has the distinction of being the only U.S. State High Point that
requires climbing vertical rock to reach the summit. Granite is known for
a little of everything: rock climbing, long hiking, scrambling, snow climbing,
route finding, exposed camping, sudden severe thunderstorms, deep August snow,
and most often- a truly rewarding summit. Granite is typically done in 2 or 3
days. The aptly named Froze -to-Death Plateau is a unique cross country
hiking experience. It involves hiking on a rolling, very rocky plateau, with no
defined trail. The best navigational method involves following large, easily
blended cairns, across the terrain. Camp spots are typically in rock built
shelters and water sources are hit and miss.
Summit day involves mostly class 2-3 scrambling, crossing a snow bridge and
4th class to Easy 5th Class climbing. The South Face Route requires
careful route finding to keep the climbing level at the easiest. It's possible
to accidentally get onto 5.7-5.10 rock, but those comfortable with exposure will
often climb up the rock sections rope-less. A rope is handy for a quick
rappel, or if the vertical terrain becomes covered in snow or rain.
Expect the unexpected on Granite. In August of 2005 an early snowstorm
brought 10 inches of heavy wet snow. Nighttime temperatures were 10-20 degrees.
The next day most of the snow melted in 60 degree temperatures, although the
gulleys remained clogged with snow. On the South Face, a nearby
party got off route into 5.8 land and dropped their rope. On the descent
there were 8 climbers using the same rappel station.
The last of the U.S. State High Points to be climbed, Granite is a rewarding
experience, in part due to its difficulty, remote location, and breathtaking
views. On clear days, the Grand Teton is visible in the distance from the
summit.
Borah
Peak
Idaho's tallest peak at 12,662 feet is situated at the northern part of the
Lost River Range. The range is host to 7 of the 9 tallest peaks in the state of
Idaho. The Lost River Range is known for its large, hulking,
non-technical summits. This sparsely populated valley is a paradise for
those seeking solitude. A typical summer day will see some hikers on
Borah, but on the edges of the season or during the off season, it's easy to
have the peak to yourself.
Borah's Chicken-Out-Ridge Route gains 5260 feet of elevation in just 3.6
miles. At about 7200 feet, the route starts out as an old Jeep road, then
becomes a faint climber's trail, then crosses an exposed ridge of rock, followed
by a seasonal snow bridge crossing, until the summit is finally reached. The
continuously steep route has few switchbacks and offers a good aerobic test. The
route is typically done in 3-10 hours, roundtrip. Recently, this route has
become the affection of speed climbers.
A more challenging route exists on the reclusive North
Face of Borah. 5-7 pitches of 45 degree snow and ice gives way to a 55
degree couloir and a 5.0-5.7 rock climbing section. Depending on the time of
year, you may need to fight your way through a cornice to reach the summit
ridge. The descent is most often the Chicken-Out-Ridge route and the
entire north face can be scouted from near Challis, Idaho (Just north of Borah
on 93). The North face involves over 2000 feet of climbing and was probably
first done in 1971.
In 1983 a magnitude 7.3 earthquake rocked this region and left a large
visible scar on the plateau at the base of the peak. One wonders whether the
earthquake has affected the official summit elevation, and when the last survey
/ telemetry measurement was. The USGS 1:24000 Quad for the area is dated
1967. Beside the earthquake damage and the consequent nearby deaths, this
relatively benign peak has seen deaths by lightning, avalanche, and fall.
As late as the 1920's most believed that Hyndman
Peak was Idaho's largest peak. Even after T.M. Bannon's 1912 first
ascent of Borah Peak, the Idaho Statesman Newspaper ran an article defending
Hyndman as the tallest in the state. It wouldn't be until 1928, that Borah was
declared tallest. Borah is named for Senator William Borah, who served for
34 years.
Humphreys
Peak
At 12,633 feet, Humphreys Peak defies the typical Arizona stereotype that the
state is mostly a warm desert region. From the depths of the nearby Grand
Canyon to the often snowy and windy summit ridge, this region is one of the most
diverse in the nation. The lower west slopes of Humphreys contains some
beautiful Aspen groves, while the east side of the peak is in a rain shadow and
contains Sunset Crater. The standard route heads up the Humphreys Peak
Trail from the Snow Bowl ski area. The nature of the ski area, and all that goes
with it, detracts from the wilderness experience for the purist. Still, once your
away from the trailhead and up onto the ridge, the peak has a beautiful, wild
feeling to it. For added challenges, ascend the peak in winter or utilize
the Weatherford Trail. Nearby Agassiz
Peak appears as the tallest peak from the Flagstaff area, and makes a good
added excursion. (see restrictions)
Mount Hood
The sulphuric and steamy vents near the Devils Kitchen is a reminder that Mt.
Hood is a dormant volcano. Like most of the Cascade Volcanoes, this peak strikes up and away from its surrounding terrain with much
prominence. The mountain is well used, given its proximity to the
Willamette Valley, the ski area, and the resort lodge.
The popular south side approach starts at Timberline Lodge and climbs Class 2
terrain to the summit. Conditions may vary and cramp-ons, ice-ax, and
helmet may be required. At just 8 miles roundtrip and 5300 feet of vertical gain, this approach provides a straight forward route to the summit. It is best
climbed early, given the chance of collapsing snow bridges on the glacier and
the hazard of rock fall. Another really good option for high pointers is the
Cooper Spur Class 2 route. While the South Side route offers easier access
and nearly year round opportunities, the Cooper Spur approaches may offer more solitude.
Northeast Region From the Appalachians to the Adirondacks and the Allegheny Plateau, a tour of the 12 Northeast highpoints offers the traveler a glimpse into this geologically complex region of the country.
Without question, the Northeast quadrant is dominated by the mountains of the northern Appalachians. The famed Appalachian Trail (A.T.) passes over or comes within two miles of five of these highpoints, including the northern terminus of the A.T. and the gem of the Northeast - Katahdin, Maine. At 5,267 feet, Katahdin sharply rises some 4,000 feet above the surrounding landscape and its impressive profile have led some to call it the only western peak east of the Mississippi. Though it is a state highpoint, Katahdin is probably best known as the finish line to the A.T. for approximately 300 folks who annually complete the nearly 2,200 mile trek from Springer Mountain, Georgia.
This, of course, is not meant to diminish the importance of the equally renowned Mount Washington, New Hampshire ... often described as the world's most dangerous small mountain. At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington's brutal weather (highest surface wind speed ever recorded) and relatively easy accessability (2-3 hours from downtown Boston) have proved a lethal combination far too often. Yet for those fortunate enough to visit her summit in clear skies, views not only encompass the surrounding White Mountains but extend westward across Vermont's Green Mountains to the Adirondacks of New York. Other Appalachian Trail highpoints include Mount Greylock, Massachusetts and High Point, New Jersey. The A.T. also passes less than two miles east of Mount Frissell, Connecticut. All of these mountains offer many hiking options while Katahdin and Washington offer mountaineering routes as well.
Stepping off the Appalachian Trail, Mount Marcy, New York and Mount Mansfield, Vermont not only provide interesting wilderness hiking choices, but also give the traveler a feel for the far northern climes of the continental United States. The arctic alpine tundra zones found atop these peaks are more typical of conditions found hundreds of miles into Canada than what one might expect to find in the congested Northeast. Geologically speaking, while the 4,393-foot Mount Mansfield is considered part of the Green Mountain portion of the Appalachians, Mount Marcy's Adirondack mountains have been shaped by entirely different geologic forces. The exposed metamorphosed sedimentary rock of the Adirondacks has been dated to be more than one billion years old, yet it has only been uplifted into mountainous form over the last two million years. While the Appalachians are a deeply eroded range, the Adirondacks are still growing.
Keeping with the geology theme, it should be said that the three state highpoints in the Allegheny Plateau region are more closely related to the southern Appalachians than to the mountains of the Northeast. But the relative geographic smallness of the Northeast has led to the inclusion of Mount Davis, Pennsylvania, Backbone Mountain, Maryland and Spruce Knob, West Virginia in this region. These three highpoints are all located within about 120 miles of each other and many complete this trifecta on the same trip. While the 3,000-foot plus elevations of Backbone Mountain and Mount Davis are impressive enough for the Northeast, one must keep in mind that much of this "unglaciated" part of the plateau sits above 2,000 feet. In terms of prominence, the lower Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania offer more net gain than does the highpoint of the Keystone State.
Spruce Knob, however, is quite a treat. Rising some 3,000 feet from its base, this 4,861-foot mountain is the very definition of the backwoods of West Virginia. For those looking to hike this mountain, the most common approach is a long one. The Horton-Seneca Creek-Huckleberry Trail route is a 19-mile round trip so many choose to utilize the dirt summit road in at least some form. If you enjoy mountain biking, this is a great way to go. And for those with a taste for rock climbing, nearby Seneca Rocks offers many great choices.
The remaining two highpoints in the region - Jerimoth Hill, Rhode Island, and Ebright Azimuth, Delaware - aren't exactly lofty goals but Summit Post maintains pages with quality information nonetheless.
South Region
Mount Magazine (Arkansas) from its base
Southern States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
The Southern Appalachians (Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia)  Brasstown Bald stands high above the Georgia valley
North Carolina
Mount Mitchell is the highest point East of the Mississippi River in the United States at 6,684 feet. It is almost 400’ higher than Mount Washington. While you can drive to the summit, several trails can take you to there, including the Mount Mitchell Trail. The Mount Mitchell Trail is a convenient day hike through thick forest. It offers several nice viewpoints. A distinctive characteristic of the summit is the thick and smoky clouds on the lower peaks. Like the Smoky Mountains, over 65 miles away, it is the Black Mountains that truly personify the “smoky” appearance of the high Southern Appalachians. Because so many people drive to the summit, the Mount Mitchell Trail is not overly crowded. However, if you want a longer adventure try the Black Mountain Crest Trail. This trail requires a one or two day loop hike that takes you to the summit of several of the highest peaks in North Carolina.
Tennessee
High up in the forests of Tennessee looms a series of 6,000 foot mountains that make up Smoky Mountain National Park. The highest summit of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee is Clingman’s Dome at 6643’. The views from Clingman’s summit are tremendous, and you can usually find snow on this peak through early April. Unfortunately, Clingman’s Dome has few day-hiking options. The summit road leads you a half-mile to the summit, and the Appalachian Trail parallels the summit road for nearly 8 miles. Other approach routes are over 20 miles round trip, and require over a day to hike. Clingman’s Dome can become pretty crowded during the warmer months and unfortunately, the summit road is generally not open in the wintertime when solitude is more likely assured. Hiking in winter is very feasible, but requires that the main park roads are open. In fact, the best hike in the area is really Mount Leconte, less than 10 miles from Clingman’s Dome. While 50 feet shorter than the Dome, the hike boasts a solid day hike. Along the way you will encounter an 80 foot tall cliff face that overhangs the trail, housing massive icicles in the winter months. Also along the trail are plenty of viewpoints, and a long ridge-like summit with views in all directions.
Virginia
Mount Rogers is part of the large Grayson Highlands area that towers above any other mountain range in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The best part of the mountain is the open meadow of Wilburn Ridge, which is about 5,000 feet above sea level, and not too far from the summit. Wilburn Ridge is a natural playground, with expansive views, flowers, boulders, and even wild ponies. The Appalachian Trail ends about one-half mile from the summit, at an open space overlooking Wilburn Ridge, and providing expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whitetail deer frequent the area, and the rustic final trail to the summit is in deep woods.
Georgia
Brasstown Bald offers a variety of hiking trails, a well-maintained summit, and some of the best evening views you will ever see. This is a highpoint worth climbing during the day and during the night where a clear day provides views of lush forests and valleys, and a clear night provides a wondrous view of the stars, casting shadows on the surrounding mountains. You can hike Brasstown Bald from 1/2 mile away from the summit, or via one of several day-hiking trails of varying lengths.
Kentucky
Black Mountain is the least preserved highpoint in this region. While standing an impressive 4,145 feet, trails are limited, and access to the highpoint restricted unless you sign a waiver form protecting the mining community that owns the summit area. The road to the top (Route 160) is quite pretty. Coming from Virginia, you climb over 2,500 feet along sharp curves around the mountain. When I hiked Black Mountain, I parked at the entry to the access road, and hiked 1.5 miles to the actual summit. The views at the summit were limited, and the development at the top removed any natural beauty from the summit area. This is a highpoint with great potential, but valuable energy resources prevent the State of Kentucky from celebrating their highpoint as much as they do in the surrounding states.
South Carolina
Sassafras Mountain is far shorter than its northern counterparts, and the lowest highpoint in the Southern Appalachian region. It is most certainly a mountain, rising far above the Western South Carolina valleys, but seems insignificant due to the 6,000-foot peaks of North Carolina, just 20 miles away in Pisgah National Forest. There are several day-hiking opportunities, and from the summit you will have some nice views of the high peaks of North Carolina. There are some excellent hiking trails and summits in South Carolina nearby Sassafras, including Table Rock Mountain.
The Ozarks and Southern lowlands (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi)
 Cliffs on Mount Magazine - Arkansas
Arkansas
Signal Hill is the highest point of a long wide ridge-top called Mount Magazine. Along the ridge are rock cliffs, where you can go rappelling and hang gliding. There is 1,500-foot prominence over the surrounding valley, and several hiking trails of varying lengths to the summit. Arkansas celebrates their highest mountain, and created Mount Magazine State Park as a cleverly-developed tourist getaway.
Alabama
Cheaha Mountain dominates the skyline of nearby towns in Eastern Alabama. It stands only 2,407’ high, but stands 1,500’ above the surrounding plains. Thick forests cover the mountain, while providing various hiking trails and rock climbing areas such as the Rock Garden, Pulpit Rock, and Bald Rock. Northeast Alabama actually contains some of the Appalachian Mountains, but Cheaha Mountain itself is disconnected from the Appalachian chain by nearly 100 miles.
Mississippi
Woodall Mountain in Mississippi is a large hill rising about 300 feet above the surrounding forests. You can hike a small trail from an unmarked trailhead at the North side of Woodall Mountain called the North Ridge Trail. This will put you on a narrow road that leads to the summit. You could drive up the road to the top, but hiking to the summit is a lot more fun. Woodall Mountain unfortunately has an electric tower on top, but at least the summit is preserved for people to visit. Despite being one of the lowest elevated highpoints in the United States, Woodall Mountain stands out because there aren’t any other significant hills in the area.
Louisiana
On the road off of I-20 going south to the Louisiana highpoint, a sign says: “Welcome to Louisiana Hill Country”. The highest of these “hills” is Driskill Mountain, which rises 150’ up from its trailhead in front of a small church. The trail meanders for about a mile up to the wooded summit.
Florida
Britton Hill is the lowest state high point in the United States at 345 feet. A forest lies behind the highpoint marker offering a short trail through the woods to get you back to nature. It is a far cry from the Appalachians to the North, but it is probably the only high point endangered by hurricanes every year. In fact, when I visited Britton Hill, I drove through a mild, class 1 hurricane to get there.
The Southern Prairie (Texas and Oklahoma)
 The Majestic Guadalupe Peak stands high above the Texas desert
Texas
Guadalupe Peak is many miles from the other Southern highpoints, but then again, Texas is a really big state. Guadalupe Peak is unlike any other state highpoint. Standing at only 8,749', it is a certainly not alpine, and due to its southern latitude, it is without snow for most of the year. However, it is high enough to provide rich pine forests, topped by large rock cliffs that tower above the desert plain. You can spend days in the Guadalupe Mountains exploring new territory, hiking up various trails, and always finding something interesting. The best time to hike is in the colder months. From the summit you can look down at the desolate Southwest Texas desert, 4,500 feet below.
Oklahoma
The climate around Black Mesa is rugged, scenic, and dry. At no point during a trek up the Mesa are you in thick forest, so you have a full view of the surrounding mesas for the entire hike. Getting to and from the summit requires a few hours, and lots of water. The highpoint area is well preserved, and devoid of development, providing a rather bucolic experience. While the top of the Mesa is rather flat, there is plenty of elevation gain, and pretty views from the summit and from the cliff edges not far from the summit.
Black Mesa is not the highest mountain (from base to top) in Oklahoma. The Wichita Mountains, Southwest of Oklahoma City, offer nearly 1,000 foot elevation gains and Class 5 rock walls. Not to say Black Mesa is not itself an excellent hiking spot, but don’t ignore the rest of the Sooner State if traveling West through Oklahoma City to get to the Mesa.
Midwest RegionThere are many great things about the American midwest. There are Great Lakes and Great Plains. Few would argue that its farming culture is among the greatest on earth. Yet, for all of this, there are most definitely not many great mountains. Perhaps more than any other region, highpointing in the midwest requires an appreciation for points that are ... well, not high. So resist the urge to make this region the butte-end of bad jokes and avert your eyes downward for a brief tour of the 12 midwestern highpoints.
GREAT PLAINS - Without a doubt, the most interesting highpoints and the only true mountains to be found in this grouping lie in the northern Great Plains states of North and South Dakota. The Dakotas are truly a wonder. It was in South Dakota that the faces of great former Presidents were carved on Mount Rushmore. Just a few miles behind these famous faces is Harney Peak, the king of the Black Hills, and the highest rock tower in the vast pine forests of western South Dakota. South Dakota's highest point is the steepest of any midwestern highpoint, standing about 1,500 feet above its base (the only highpoint in the region rising more than 1,000 feet). White Butte, North Dakota stands only a few hundred feet from its base but commands attention with a striking white hue as a result of bentonite in its rock and soil. In keeping with the Presidential theme, it should be noted that Theodore Roosevelt National Park is only about 30 miles north of White Butte. The hiking at this relatively uncrowded National Park is good enough to have been featured in the December 2005 issue of Backpacker magazine.
Geologically speaking, the Great Plains rise significantly from the eastern part of each state to the western part of each state. Elevations in each of the four states start at near 1,000 feet but end up anywhere from 3,500 feet to over 7,200 feet in South Dakota's Black Hills. While Nebraska has some interesting rock formations and buttes within the state, the highpoint lies in a high plateau. Just 10 miles away, across the Wyoming border, the Pine Bluffs rise several hundred feet above the town, making it seem as though Nebraska is as flat as a pancake, when really, Panorama Point is very close to being a very interesting highpoint. Kansas, on the other hand, is just flat. A small rise in elevation in lonely farmland is home to Mount Sunflower (the "Mount" being a misnomer).
GREAT LAKES - Moving eastward, the northern Great Lakes region that contains the highpoints of Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin is a land of austere and breathtaking natural beauty. It almost goes without saying that the highpointer will leave the region with vivid memories of long meandering drives along the flanks of Lake Superior and the northern shore of Lake Michigan.
Of the three Great Lakes highpoints, Minnesota's Eagle Mountain is the greatest treat. Located miles from nowhere, the summit of Eagle Mountain is typically attained after a 3.5 mile one-way hike through a mature hardwood forest dominated by towering pine trees. This gentle hike wraps around the quaint Whale Lake and saves much of the net elevation gain of about 600 feet for the final mile. While Eagle Mountain offers the best hiking, Michigan's quiet and wooded Mount Arvon will certainly challenge your route-finding abilities. The zenith of Michigan is reached at the end of a maze of dirt and logging roads that begins about 16 miles northeast of L'Anse and ends at a well-marked clearing 11 confusing miles later. This leaves the Wisconsin state highpoint - Timms Hill - which is interestingly located in a county park. While there is nothing particularly mountainous about Timms Hill, this very pleasant area of small lakes, rolling hills and forest can be appreciated atop the summit firetower, which is just a short uphill walk from the main parking lot. Unlike the other Great Lakes highpoints, Timms Hill is straight-forward and easily accessible.
FARM BELT - Four of the five states in the Farm Belt are in flat farm country. Indiana’s Hoosier Hill sits right next to a cornfield. Iowa’s Hawkeye Point rests right next to a silo. Campbell Hill, Ohio sits just next to a parking lot at a beauty school. While it isn’t too exciting, the lawn (which rises no more than 15 feet up) is quite beautifully manicured (Is there a coincidence here?). Charles Mound, Illinois sits above a small farm, and unlike Indiana and Iowa, it is actually a large hill, rather than a highest point barely identifiable from flat surroundings.
Missouri’s Taum Sauk is part of the Ozark Plateau and is a natural cousin of Arkansas highpoint, Mount Magazine (described in the South Region). A series of large hills dots the Southeastern Missouri landscape, and Taum Sauk is a geological wonderland, with waterfalls, rock cliffs, and mountain streams, that one would expect to see on a larger mountain.
Red Tape  Gated entrance to Charles Mound
While many of the highpoints have minor access issues involved with their ascents, three states have significant restrictions.
Charles Mound, Illinois is located on the privately owned farm of Jean and Wayne Wuebbels and the Wuebbels only allow visitation on the first weekends in June, July, August and September. In 2009, the access days will be on June 6/7, July 4/5, August 1/2 and September 5/6. Daylight hours only. Special requests on non-access days will be denied no matter how much you beg.
Jerimoth Hill, Rhode Island recently relaxed its 5 times a year only access policy and now allows access every day. Land owners Jeff and Debbie Mosley request visitors to the 812-foot highpoint observe 8 AM to 4 PM hours and also do not allow picnics, alcohol or unleashed pets. This, of course, is in addition to staying on the main trail.
Finally, Penn-Virginia Resources requires Black Mountain, Kentucky visitors to sign a summit waiver and only allows you to walk or drive the summit road. Though coal giant Penn-Virginia no longer owns mineral rights above 3,500 feet on the Kentucky side of the Black Mountain massif, it still owns surface rights and as such can enforce “No trespassing” regulations in the upper reaches of Black Mountain. Further information on the waiver is available on the Black Mountain Summit Post page. The actual waiver is downloadable here.
Highpointers Founded in 1987 by Jack Longacre, the Highpointers Club has grown into a well-organized group of more than 2,800 members complete with a high quality quarterly newsletter, Apex to Zenith, and an annual convention. The 2008 Konvention was held September 10-13 at the Humphreys Peak, Arizona snowbowl and was attended by 19 50-state completers! In 2009, Highpointers will gather for festivities around High Point, New Jersey with the official event site to be the Best Western at Hunt's Landing, Matamoras, Pennsylvania off Exit 53 of I-84. Dates of July 30 to August 2, 2009 have been set for the Konvention. More information is available at highpointers.org.
Though the Club was founded in 1987, the idea of highpointing had been previously hatched before there were even 50 states in the Union. Arthur Marshall became the first man to climb to the summits of the 48 continguous states in July 1936 while well-known climber Vin Hoeman became the first to top out in all 50 U.S. states in July 1966. To date, there have been 178 people documented to have ascended all 50 highpoints and an additional 158 who have climbed the lower 48, making it one of the more exclusive climbing clubs in the United States.
In 2005, Ben Jones set a speed record for climbing the 50 highpoints, doing so in 50 days while Dave Johnston (of Minus 148 fame) owns the distinction of being the first man to climb all 50 highpoints in winter, finishing in March 2005. Ben Jones' speed record was topped in the summer of 2008 by Mike Haugen and Zach Price, who with the aid of a support team and corporate sponsorship, touched all 50 highpoints in 45 days, 19 hours and 2 minutes.
But not everyone who highpoints is focused on setting records or even finishing the list. Many enjoy taking family trips to remote parts of the country and concentrate on only the "friendly" highpoints while more hard-core climbers often set their sites on just the "tough ones." It is an activity and a Club that brings together people from all walks of life, making it quite an interesting group.
Difficulty EssayA Discussion on the Difficulty Ratings of U.S. State High Points
The subjectivity of how difficult the various U.S. State High Points are, is an open ended topic with no definitive answers. It's easy to classify the High Points based on generally accepted statistics: total elevation gain and/or total distance round trip. Thomas P. Martin has come up with the "Martin Classification of Difficulty for U.S. State Highpoints.". It's a combination of elevation gain and distance on the easiest "standard" route. His system assigns a "difficulty rating" to each High Point, from 1 (easiest) to 10 (most difficult). This system provides a base calculation and classification on the peaks, but is less effective on some of the harder State High Points and a few of the peaks in the East are assumed that you drive to the top. It should be noted, that both North Carolina and New Hampshire would be rated a 5 if hiked via standard routes, and Massachusetts would be ranked a 4. Martin acknowledges the various other factors that can cause subjectivity.
Weather- besides ability, perhaps the leading cause of failed attempts, epic long days (and nights), injury, and even death. If the weather is marginal and one still succeeds in reaching the summit (or not), it may increase the perception of the difficulty of the mountain. Conversely, a pleasant, windless day on many peaks could decrease the difficulty perception.
Ability- a person's ability to manage the risk and discomfort of inclement weather in relation to that person's physical abilities is a big factor. Those in the best physical shape are able to overcome these difficulties without losing clarity, balance, and judgment. Those with superior mental clarity and confidence can also persevere in adverse conditions. From my experiences, the number one factor involved in backcountry or vertical wall injury is being tired. Many stumbles occur on the descent and the publication "Accidents in North American Mountaineering" (published annually) chronicles that at least 50% of accidents are on the down climb.
Proximity of Training Area to High Point- those that live and train near a specific High Point can have a distinct advantage over those that must travel long distances. Besides the elevation differences that can cause altitude sickness, those that train in terrain that is similar to the High Point have a better understanding of what to expect, how their body reacts to the environment, and what is the best gear for the outing. There are, of course, exceptions and those that are great at preparation and cross training can overcome some disadvantages. Many consider Mt.Hood in Oregon the 5th hardest U.S. High Point. With only 8 miles roundtrip and 5300 feet elevation gain, those comfortable with cramp-on work, snow climbs, and glacier travel may find this peak relatively easy. Those living near the Cascades or the Wind Rivers may deem Mt. Whitney in CA or Kings Peak, UT a more challenging outing. Whitney is usually done in a long day and involves over 21 miles and 6750 feet. Kings Peak involves an even longer climb and usually requires an overnight outing. Another factor in living close to a peak is- you always have the option of going back without the monetary and time commitment that someone from another area must invest. Living near a peak, you also receive information about the peak from friends, climbing shops etc., further adding to the comfort level. In other words, there can be more pressure to summit a High Point if your traveling from another area and /or on a tight schedule involving multiple ascents.
It is widely accepted that Mt. McKinley in Alaska is the hardest U.S. State High Point. The mountain involves a high level of preparation- carrying 3 weeks of food, equipment, clothing, and shelter is something that can be easily mismanaged. Often, the thought process is that bigger, warmer, more calories etc. is the proper method of being safe. The NPS, Guide Outfits, and some equipment manufacturers help to instill this attitude. If you have a big, heavy, but warm tent, lots of high calorie food items, a beefy ice-ax, and a sled full of emergency equipment, you'll be safe. Well yes and no. You'll be safe on the lower portion of the Kahiltna Glacier, and if you get tired from all the excess weight, your in a relatively safe area on the mountain. Many people are absolutely wasted by the time they reach the 14,000 camp (you start around 7,500) from hauling sleds weighing 80+ pounds plus the pack. Your safe up to 14,000 and amongst many, many climbers. The tired and injured can easily turn around in relative safety. I've seen kegs of wine, small weather stations, and solar panel charging kits for laptops, make it to 14,000 feet. But what was the cost? In our group it was 2 injuries and heavy fatigue on several others. One of the biggest lesson learned was that "light is right" Completely dried food, lightweight tents (you can always wear your clothes inside), and lightweight hardware were the best. The other big factor, of course, was conditioning and age. Those that trained and had a high level of aerobic capacity made it to the summit. Those with relatively low body fat were the most successful. Those that had regular training experiences, were the least prone to injury on the mountain.
There is often a debate as to where these mountains rank in difficulty after McKinley: Granite Peak in MT, Gannett Peak in WY, and Mt. Rainier in WA. I've found all opinions legitimate and it really comes down to your experiences on glacier and rock. While all three mountains can receive severe weather and heavy snow any time of year, I've found that Mt. Rainier is subject to the longest spells of poor weather during the peak climbing season. Granite and Gannett are more prone to thunderstorms, but in my opinion, lightning and heavy rain passes quicker in these regions. Granite Peak contains a section of rock climbing usually rated in the 5.0-5.5 range. This presents a challenge to those not comfortable with rock climbing. Add in a little snow, ice, rain, or wind to the rock section and this can be a downright sketchy and dangerous climb. It is not uncommon, however, for the experienced climber to climb this section rope-less. It is my opinion that Mt. Rainier is the second hardest State High Point, given the weather factor, it's 14,410 ft, and your traveling on very active glaciers on a generally homogenous environment where it can be easy to get off route. Even though I was able to attain the Rainier summit in a long day, I felt that more was out of my control and the potential for being exposed was great. Granite Peak, in Montana took 2 days, but I felt I was always in control of my surrounding and personally I'm most comfortable on rock. Therefore, I feel Granite is the easiest of the three peaks discussed here.
Extra CreditWell, they're not really states and not required for recognition as a 50-state completer, but the highpoints of Washington DC and Puerto Rico are each pursued by many highpointers for entirely different reasons.
At 429-feet above sea level and located in the far Northwest quadrant of Washington DC, Fort Reno is the highest natural point in the District of Columbia ... a city whose license plates now lament "Taxation Without Representation." Of course, residents do get electoral votes in Presidential elections and some would like to see it become a state, but the dubious status of the District makes it an interesting highpointing goal if not a legitimate mountaineering objective. And, hey, if you're the type to "climb" to places like Britton Hill, Florida and Ebright Azimuth, Delaware, are you really the type to look down on DC's highest point? Fort Reno is probably best known as the site of the only civil war battle fought within the District of Columbia. Summit Post has a rudimentary page on Fort Reno. Notably, in 2007 a 409-foot USGS benchmark was placed in the Fort Reno park, marking the highest natural point of land in DC. This is 20 feet lower than the artificial highpoint created with landscaping around the reservoir in the Park. This project was done in cooperation with the Highpointers Club. The benchmark is located just southeast of the Reno Reservoir.
On the other hand, Cerro de Punta, Puerto Rico is the highest point of America's one, true un-state. As residents of a U.S. Territory, Puerto Ricans are full-fledged American citizens yet truly have little say in American politics. While the same could be said of residents of other territories, Puerto Rico - at nearly 4 million strong - is on a completely different level. It seems well within the realm of possibility that Puerto Rico will become a state at some point in the not-too-distant future, at which point the 4,389-foot Cerro de Punta will become a club requirement. A very nice Cerro de Punta page has recently been added to the Summit Post database.
County HighpointsYou can find individual lists for County Highpoints for multiple states as well on the pages of summitpost.
ResourcesThe Maptech Terrain Navigator 50/50 offers USGS Topographical Maps for all 50 highpoints.
Various Guidebooks can be obtained through the Highpointers Club. The Winger and Holmes guidebooks rank as the most popular and comprehensive. Images
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