What is a Highpoint?

When we think of mountain climbing, what naturally comes to mind are the images of rope teams and rappelers navigating glacier crusted slopes and granite peaks. While all this grandeur is typical of some of the world’s highest peaks, it certainly doesn’t pertain to all of them. A region’s highpoint is relative to, well, the region. The U.S. highpoints are becoming more and more popular amongst adventure seekers.

Each state in the U.S. has a highpoint – a place that marks the highest elevation. The highest of the U.S. highpoints is Alaska’s Denali. Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali’s summit is 20,146 ft. (6,140 m.) above sea level and is ranked as the tallest mountain in North America, thereby claiming its place as one of mountaineering’s coveted Seven Summits – the highest peak on each of the seven continents. In contrast, the lowest of the U.S. highpoints is Florida’s Britton Hill, at just 345 feet above sea level. In between these two contrasting highpoints are a vast array of summits – some barely a hill, and others requiring technical skill to ascend.

Several states have highpoints that you would pass right by if it weren’t for a nifty sign proclaiming its fame, such as Delaware’s Ebright Azimuth at 447.85 ft., or Louisiana’s Driskill Mountain at 535 feet. Other states, such as Washington and California, are home to the majestic highpoints of Mount Rainier and Mount Whitney, reaching elevations of over 14,000 feet. North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell is the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. Washington D.C deserves an honorable mention, with Reno Reservoir reaching a whopping elevation of 409 feet.

What is a Highpointer?

The world’s highest peaks have always attracted people who want to conquer them. If your proverbial bucket list includes checking off each of the U.S. Highpoints, then you are known as a Highpointer.

My wife and I recently visited our first state highpoint. As we live in South Georgia, we chose to check off the lowest of the highpoints first – Britton Hill, Florida. The most challenging part of this highpoint was the drive there. Britton Hill is located in the northern panhandle of Florida. Any of you who have driven I-10 across the Florida panhandle will surely agree that it is one of the most boring stretches of highway you can travel. Surrounded by farm country, Britton Hill is hardly recognizable as a hill at all, let alone the state highpoint. But every state has its highpoint and Britton Hill at 345 feet, is Florida’s crowning peak. Check…next.

Who Can Be a Highpointer?

The answer is simple – anyone with the desire and drive to climb the 50 U.S. highpoints. If this is something that beckons to you, you are not alone. Every year folks from all walks of life, and with all levels of ability, set out to visit the highpoints. Whether it be an easy drive-up peak, or a major expedition, “highpointing” continues to grow in popularity with newbies and seasoned climbers alike.

The Highpointers Club

Founded in 1986 by Jack Longacre and a group of like-minded enthusiasts, the Highpointers Club not only promotes climbing the 50 U.S. highpoints, but the group is also involved in making sure these highpoints have safe access and that highpointers are kept up-to-date on local regulations. Designed as a club for members to share their experiences with one another, the club’s motto is “Keep Klimbin”. The Highpointers Club hosts annual conventions held at varying state highpoints, where highpoint achievers are recognized for their accomplishments and encouraged along the way to the ultimate goal of “50 Completer”. In addition to the valuable information found on their website, the club publishes a quarterly newsletter for its members. As of the date of this post, annual membership in the Highpointers Club is $25, and that covers a household. So sign up your family members and share in the adventure!

Getting There

Accessing the 50 state highpoints can sometimes pose a challenge in itself. Some of the highpoints are located on private land, such as Charles Mound in Illinois, and Hoosier Hill in Indiana. Landowners generally welcome highpointers, however, there may be special circumstances such as limited visitation dates, etc. It is prudent to perform your own due diligence in terms of access before you set out to bag highpoints that are privately owned. Being respectful of private property goes without mention.

One Peak leads to another

One thing is for certain when it comes to highpointing – its addicting! Checking off your first highpoint, whether it be a small remote hill in Florida, or a granite peak in California, highpointing is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Perhaps the greatest reward is to be found in the journey itself. Visiting each of the U.S. Highpoints means experiencing all the country has to offer – seeing all of America in her vast diversity. It is an opportunity not only to challenge yourself, but to truly explore the beauty of America. It’s a challenge that leads to greater challenges – higher mountains – new adventures. But mostly, it’s an opportunity to learn from the environment, and from one another.