The Highest Elevation Point in All 50 States

Alabama

Cheaha Mountain – 2,407 feet

 

Cheaha Mountain is the dominant feature of Cheaha State Park, itself one of Alabama’s oldest state parks. The Creek Indians named the mountain ‘Cheaha’, meaning high place, an apt name for the highest elevation point in the state. At the summit is the Bunker Tower observation tower, from where visitors can enjoy views of granite boulders, wind-weathered trees, and the Appalachian Mountains. The tower, along with other structures scattered around the park, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s.

Alaska

Denali – 20,310 feet

 

Rising majestically above its eponymous national park and preserve, Denali is the highest point in both the United States and North America. It forms part of the 600-mile-long Alaska Range between Alaska and Canada. Some people consider Denali to be the world’s coldest mountain due to strong winds and temperatures that have been known to drop to -93 degrees Fahrenheit. The landmark was called Mount Mckinley for almost a century, before changing to the local Koyukon people’s name for it (which means “the Great One”) in 2015.

Arizona

Humphreys Peak – 12,633 feet

 

Situated in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness of the Coconino National Forest, Humphreys Peaks is the tallest point of a group of dormant volcanoes called the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona. On clear days, views from the summit reach as far as other state landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Oak Creek Canyon, and the Hopi Mesas. A notable feature around the peak is the presence of bristlecone pines. Scientists believe that this resilient tree can outlive any other known living organism.

Arkansas

Magazine Mountain – 2,753 feet

 

The flat-topped Magazine Mountain is a natural habitat for rare butterflies, including the bright orange Diana fritillary. What’s more, an incredible 94 of the state’s 134 butterfly species inhabit the mountain. Two stories exist about the origin of the mountain’s name. One by English botanist Thomas Nuttall states that French hunters thought it resembled an ammunition storehouse (magazine). Another suggests that French explorers mistook a landslide for the sound of an ammunition explosion.

California

Mount Whitney – 14,494 feet

 

The tallest mountain in the “lower 48 states” and the highest point in the USA outside of Alaska is Mount Whitney. Characterized by its jagged ridges, this imposing mountain stands at the border of Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest. This is one of the most popular climbing and hiking destinations in the Sierra Nevada, with the shortest route being just over 10 miles. It’s also a common stopover for those walking all or parts of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail.

Colorado

Mt. Elbert – 14,440 feet

 

Being a state traversed by the Rocky Mountains and famous for its ski resorts, it seems right that Colorado is home to one of the highest points in the continental United States. Mt. Elbert is the tallest peak in the Rockies and the 14th tallest in the country. Yet, despite its imposing size, with correct acclimatization, it’s recognized as a relatively easy mountain to climb. Five routes lead to the summit and those that make it to the top can enjoy views of other mighty state landmarks like the aptly named Mt. Massive.

Connecticut

Mt. Frissell (Southwest Shoulder) – 2,379 feet

 

Located at the tri-state border of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, Mt. Frissell is a peak in the Taconic Range. While the summit (2,453 feet) is in Massachusetts, the south slope of the mountain marks the highest point in Connecticut.  It’s crossed by the Mount Frissell Trail, which links up with the long-distance Appalachian Trail. Curiously, the mountain is the state’s highest point but not its highest summit – that honor goes to Bear Mountain (with a summit of 2,316 feet).

Delaware

Ebright Azimuth – 448 feet

 

Not all state high points are cloudbusting mountains. Part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Delaware is distinguished by its flat terrain. Ebright Azimuth is a geodetic benchmark monument on a road near the city of Wilmington. When the Delaware Geological Survey confirmed the highpoint, it closed a long-running debate over whether this point or Centerville (446 feet) was the state’s highest elevation. Perched on the edge of the road, you won’t find much here except a sign and a bench to mark the spot.

Florida

Britton Hill – 345 feet

 

With much of its topography at or near sea level and also with areas inside the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Florida takes the prize for having the lowest high point in all 50 states. Highpointers have little concern for altitude sickness when visiting Britton Hill, which marks the summit of Lakewood Park in North Walton County. It isn’t the county’s only claim to fame, either. Stricklands Christmas Tree Farm is the birthplace of the Panhandle Opry.

Georgia

Brasstown Bald – 4,784 feet

 

Brasstown Bald is the focal point of the Brasstown Bald Recreation Center. It’s set amid the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in northeastern Georgia. Visitors to this state highpoint find plenty to do besides enjoying the panoramic views. There are picnic areas, an exhibition hall, a mountaintop theater, and a general store selling local products. Those feeling energetic can also head off on one of three hiking trails.

Hawaii

Mauna Kea – 13,803 feet

 

At the heart of Hawaii’s Big Island is Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that last erupted over 4,000 years ago. The name translates to ‘white mountain’ and is a reference to the snow that falls on its slope for large parts of the year. As Hawaii’s highest point, Mauna Kea is an important center for scientific and astronomical research. Visitors can get a glimpse of this work via stargazing programs at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station.

Idaho

Borah Peak – 12,662 feet

 

Also known as Mount Borah, Borah Peak comes in at number 11 on the list of state high points. Located in the Lost River Range, it’s one of Idaho’s nine peaks that climb above 12,000 feet. Not only is this the tallest point in the state, it’s also its only active glacier. The peak received a boost in height of about one foot in 1983 following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the range.

Illinois

Charles Mound – 1,235 feet

 

Rural northwestern Illinois, otherwise known as the Driftless Area, is the location of Illinois’ highest natural elevation. This region is geographically special because, unlike much of the country, it wasn’t covered by glaciers during the Ice Age. Charles Mound is also one of several high points that are part of private property. For this reason, it’s only accessible during daylight hours on weekends between July and September. Views at the top reach over the sprawling Illinois farm country.

Indiana

Hoosier Hill – 1,257 feet

 

Hoosier Hill is another state highpoint situated on private land. It’s found amid a forest in the midwest farmland near the Indiana-Ohio state line. It was here in 1936 that highpoint Arthur H. Marshall became the first person to visit the highpoint of every state (then 48). At the top of the hill is a mailbox covered in stickers left by the many travelers and high pointers that have visited over the years.

Iowa

Hawkeye Point – 1,670 feet

 

Once a place known only by locals, Hawkeye Point is now a popular and busy roadside stop on U.S. Route 60. The exact high point is marked by a mosaicked compass that portrays the map of Iowa. Directional signs are pointing the way to all the other state high points, an observation deck, and a small hands-on history exhibition. Visitors thirsty for highpoint knowledge can find out more at McCallum Museum Osceola County in Sibley.

Kansas

Mount Sunflower – 4,039 feet

 

A private ranch in the High Plains landscape region of far-western Kansas is the setting for this state’s high point. Despite being a long way from the towering peaks of Colorado, Mount Sunflower has the Rocky Mountains to thank for its height. The High Plains area formed millions of years ago when sand, gravel, and other sediment were brought west from the Rockies by streams. The mount stands 3,300 feet higher than the state’s lowest point.

Kentucky

Black Mountain – 4,145 feet

 

Covered in northern hardwood forest, Black Mountain rises up from the Cumberland Plateau in the westernmost region of the Appalachian Mountains. Its elevation provides a natural habitat to numerous species of flora and fauna, including black bear and red elderberry. The area around the mountain has long been known for coal mining. Head to the Kentucky Coal Museum, in nearby Lynch, to discover more about the history.

Louisiana

Driskill Mountain – 535 feet

 

A gentle hike through a forest of pine and hardwood trees and seasonal wildflowers takes high pointers up to peaceful Driskill Mountain. This is the third lowest highpoint in all 50 states. It’s smaller than Louisiana’s tallest building, the 697-foot-tall Hancock Whitney Center in New Orleans. The mountain itself is a landform created by the erosion of unlithified Paleogene sediment.

Maine

Mount Katahdin – 5,269 feet

 

Mount Katahdin is the centerpiece of sprawling Baxter State Park in north-central Maine. Its name means ‘greatest mountain’ and was chosen by the Penobscot people. Today, the mountain is still deemed sacred by the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot nations. This is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and the area is famed for its challenging treks. Among the many routes to the summit is the short yet wild Knife Edge Trail.

Maryland

Hoye-Crest – 3,360 feet

 

Maryland’s highest elevation point sits atop Backbone Mountain in the state’s most westerly region. The only way to reach Hoye-Crest is via a hiking trail that begins in neighboring West Virginia. At the summit, there’s a historical marker and a picnic area. Visitors can also grab a certificate from a mailbox here. For more adventure, a short path leads to an obelisk that marks the Maryland-West Virginia state line.

Massachusetts

Mount Greylock – 3,491 feet

 

Located in Mount Greylock State Reservation in the state’s northwestern region, Mount Greylock is accessible via a scenic byway that connects the farmland of Lanesborough to the art-loving city of North Adams. Visibility from the summit extends for 90 miles, including into the states of New York and Vermont. There are over 70 miles of hiking trails to explore plus cross-country skiing, snowmobile tours, and a museum.

Michigan

Mount Arvon – 1,979 feet

 

Mount Arvon is one of the must-see sights of the Huron Mountains in Michigan’s rural Upper Peninsula. The state’s official highpoint since 1982, it took the crown from Mount Curwood when the U.S. Geological Survey deemed it to be 11 inches taller. A highlight of a trip to this mountain in picturesque Baraga County is the bird’s-eye view of Lake Superior. In winter, the summit is reachable by snowmobile or snowshoes only.

Minnesota

Eagle Mountain – 2,301 feet

 

Eagle Mountain stands deep inside Minnesotra’s Superior National Forest and is accessed along the 7-mile-long round-trip Eagle Mountain Trail.  The trail traverses the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and as such is a wild route and often overgrown. Self-issue permits are required to hike the trail and are obtainable at the trailhead. Confusingly, there’s another Eagle Mountain in north Minnesota which is part of Lutsen Mountains ski resort.

Mississippi

Woodall Mountain – 806 feet

 

Just outside the city of Iuka in Mississippi’s northeastern Tishomingo County, Woodall Mountain has the honor of being recognized as the “bloodiest highpoint in the United States.” On September 19, 1862, the mountain was the site of the Civil War Battle of Iuka. During the fight, General William S Rosecran’s Union troops defeated the Confederates, led by General Sterling Price. A plaque at the summit provides details of the battle.

Missouri

Taum Sauk Mountain – 1,772 feet

 

Head to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park to stand at the highest point of Missouri. Set amid the St. Francois Mountains, the scenery of the 7,500-acre park is characterized by dense woodland and rocky glades. A lookout tower at the summit affords panoramic views of southern Missouri’s lush countryside. Several trails lead to and around Taum Sauk Mountain – Mina Sauk Falls Trail connects to the state’s tallest waterfall, 132-foot Mina Sauk Falls.

Montana

Granite Peak – 12,799 feet

 

Isolated and imposing Granite Peak is everything that one should expect of a mountain. It’s the pinnacle of the Beartooth Range in south-central Montana. It’s also one of 28, 12,000-foot peaks in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, which spreads from the state into Wyoming. The climb to the top is a challenging one and is considered among Montana’s most adventurous treks. After several failed attempts, the first recorded ascent was in 1923.

Nebraska

Panorama Point – 5,429 feet

 

Wondrous views of big skies, far-reaching prairies, and three states are the reward for making it to Panorama Point. This high point is part of Nebraska’s High Plains and in an area peppered with cattle ranches and farms. It’s located on a private ranch, thus a fee is required and visitors are warned to look out for free-roaming bison. Two Nebraska locals discovered the hill in 1951 using a World War I altimeter.

Nevada

Boundary Peak – 13,140 feet

 

Boundary Peak in Boundary Peak Wilderness is the ninth highest state point in the U.S. From the top it’s possible to see as far as landmarks such as Mono Lake in California and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The peak stands at the northern end of the White Mountains and forms a twin peak with California’s Montgomery Peak. A variety of plants thrive around the wilderness, including alpine tundra, bristlecone pine trees, and juniper woodlands.

New Hampshire

Mount Washington – 6,288 feet

 

New Hampshire’s highest point is northeast North America’s tallest mountain. Mount Washington is known as Agiocochook by Native Americans, who believe it to be the home of the Great Spirit. The Mount Washington Cog Railway trundles through Mount Washington State Park to the top. Here, the Sherman Adams Visitor Center houses a cafe, museum, and observatory. Clear days afford views into Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York.

New Jersey

High Point – 1,803 feet

 

In northern New Jersey, the appropriately named High Point is the state’s highest elevation and the tallest peak in the Kittatinny Mountains. It stands at the top of High Point State Park, around which wind over 50 miles of multi-use trails. Dominating the summit is a 220-foot-tall war memorial called the High Point Monument – a 291-step staircase accesses a lookout deck. Also in the park are campgrounds, picnic sites, and an interpretation center.

New Mexico

Wheeler Peak – 13,161 feet

 

Rising up from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Wheeler Peak is the tallest mountain in New Mexico and eighth on the list of state high points. The 7.3-mile-long Wheeler Peak Trail meanders through the flora and fauna-rich Wheeler Peak Wilderness to the summit. Elk, golden eagle, marmot, bristlecone pines, cottonwoods, and wildflowers are all present. Open year-round, the trail can be accessed by foot, horseback, and snowshoe.

New York

Mount Marcy – 5,344 feet

 

Mount Marcy is the commander in chief of New York State and the highest point of the Adirondacks. Four main trails lead to the top, providing adventurers and high pointers with a range of challenges. Views from the summit, which shelters endangered alpine vegetation, reach over the entire Adirondack range. Interestingly, President Teddy Roosevelt was climbing the peak when he received a message that he should travel to Buffalo to be sworn into office.

 

North Carolina

Mount Mitchell – 6,684 feet

 

This state highpoint is a popular stop for those traveling through North Carolina along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The crowning glory of Mount Mitchell State Park, visitors can drive within a 10-minute walk of Mount Mitchell’s summit. The mountain is part of the Black Mountains and is named after the university professor Dr. Elisha Mitchell. Besides far-reaching views, visitors can learn more about the area at the Mount Mitchell Museum.

North Dakota

White Butte – 3,506 feet

 

Slope County, within the secluded and otherworldly Badlands of southwestern North Dakota, is the location of the state’s highest elevation. White Butte and nearby Rattlesnake Butte were once known as the Chalky Buttes due to their distinct color. The former consists of Oligocene age rocks from the White River and Miocene age Arikaree Sandstone. This is a similar geological makeup to the Badlands National Park.

Ohio

Campbell Hill – 1,549 feet

 

Campbell Hill is a glacial moraine situated on the outskirts of Bellefontaine in western-central Ohio. Once the site of the Bellefontaine Air Force Station, the hill is now part of the grounds of an educational campus. A simple flagpole marks the top, and there’s a guestbook and certificates. The surrounding area is rich in Indian folklore, as highlighted at the nearby Zane Shawnee Caverns.

Oklahoma

Black Mesa – 4,973 feet

 

Oklahoma’s tallest elevation is part of a ridge that extends into both Colorado and Nevada. Black Mesa is named after a layer of black rock lava that covers the ridge and appeared some 30 million years ago. Encompassed by the Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve, this is where the Rockies merge with shortgrass prairies to create a unique environment home to several endangered species. In August, it’s also a perfect viewing spot for the Perseid meteor shower.

Oregon

Mount Hood – 11,249 feet

 

Mount Hood is a cloudbusting and dormant stratovolcano located within the Cascade Volcanic Arc – the last major eruption was in 1865. As the point of Oregon’s tallest elevation, it’s visible from Portland and is among the world’s most-climbed mountains. Four seasons of adventure await visitors to this state highpoint. On offer are endless miles of hiking trails, camping, fishing, and almost year-round skiing at Timberline Lodge.

Pennsylvania

Mount Davis – 3,213 feet

 

Forbes State Forest in the Somerset County region of southwestern Pennsylvania is the home of this state’s tallest peak. Mount Davis takes its name from a Civil War veteran called John Nelson Davis. Prior to the war, Davis was a surveyor and naturalist with a love of mountains. A short trail leads from a picnic area to the summit and an observation tower. Views from here reach over the lush landscapes of the Laurel Highlands.

Rhode Island

Jerimoth Hill – 811 feet

 

It’s just an easy stroll along a 0.3-mile-long trail to the top of Jerimoth Hill in Foster, Rhode Island. But reaching the tallest point of the state wasn’t always straightforward. Legends abound of Henry Richardson, aka “The Madman of Jerimoth Hill”. The one-time owner of the land around the hill, Richardson was notorious for making life difficult for highpointers. Today, however, the area is public property and freely accessible to all.

South Carolina

Sassafras Mountain -3,553 feet

 

Sassafras Mountain stands on the state border of the two Carolinas. Spreading all around are the pristine forest lands and pretty waterfalls of the 50,000-acre Jocassee Gorge. A lookout tower, which provides views of unspoiled wilderness for up to 50 miles, was installed at the summit in 2009. Keen hikers can stop at the mountain while walking the 77-mile-long Foothills Trail between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park.

South Dakota

Black Elk Peak – 7,242 feet

 

Enveloped by the Black Elk Wilderness in Cluster State Park, Black Elk Peak claims to be the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and the French Pyrenees. This high point in southwestern South Dakota is named after a medicine man of the Oglala Lakota people. Over a dozen routes lead to the summit, and there’s a trail suitable for all ages. The popular Little Devils Tower trail offers views of the Cathedral Spires and Mount Rushmore.

Tennessee

Clingmans Dome – 6,643 feet

 

Rising above the treetops of the Great Smoky Mountains, Clingman Dome is the third tallest peak east of the Mississippi. A seven-mile road with scenic pullouts meanders through the park to a trailhead, from where it’s a half-mile uphill walk to the top. On clear days, visitors can see into five states and for over 100 miles from the lookout tower. The Appalachian Trail crosses the area, marking the highest point on its route from Georgia to Maine.

Texas

Guadalupe Peak – 8,751 feet

 

Guadalupe Peak is the “Top of Texas” and the crowning feature of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It’s an 8.4-mile out-and-back trek to the top, which usually takes hikers between six to eight hours to complete. It passes some of the park’s diverse ecosystems, such as the high desert and high-elevation forests. Curiously, some 265 million years ago the Guadalupe Mountains were underwater and formed part of an inland sea.

Utah

Kings Peak – 13,528 feet

 

Resembling a shark’s tooth, Kings Peak is the seventh highest of the state highpoints and the tallest peak in the Uinta Mountains. It’s set amid the Ashley National Forest, in northeastern Utah, and is reachable along a 27-mile trail. While the route is achievable in a day, the breathtaking scenery calls for a multiday backpacking adventure. Overnight camping is possible at the nearby Alligator Lake and Dollar Lake.

Vermont

Mount Mansfield – 4,393 feet

 

Mount Mansfield, in north-central Vermont, is one of the only mountains in the state that shelters alpine tundra leftover from the Ice Age. Part of Mount Mansfield State Park, it’s a dedicated National Natural Landmark. Besides hiking one of several trails, visitors can get to the top via the Gondola SkyRide. It departs from Stowe Mountain Resort, which in winter welcomes powder hounds with 450 acres of skiable terrain and 40 miles of runs.

Virginia

Mount Rogers – 5,729 feet

 

A nine-mile out-and-back hike traverses the spruce forests, wildflower meadows, and rocky outcrops of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Mount Rogers itself is nestled among the 500 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails in the area. Drivers can also explore the region via the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway. This high point is named after Virginia’s first State Geologist and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) founder, William Barton Rogers.

Washington

Mount Rainier – 14,410 feet

 

The highest mountain in the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier is an active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. This snow-capped landmark rises above Mount Rainier National Park and presents a daunting challenge for climbers. For the less experienced, the 368-square-mile park has dozens of trails that weave through wildflower meadows and ancient forests. The Paradise area has epic views and several trailheads.