If you’re picturing a big hike or dramatic summit views, Campbell Hill will definitely surprise you. Ohio’s highest point—#7 on my state high-point journey—is tucked inside a career technical high school in Bellefontaine, about 50 miles northwest of Columbus. It’s low-key, easy to visit, and way more interesting than I expected.

At 1,549 feet above sea level, Campbell Hill ranks #43 among U.S. state high points, which explains why it feels more like a quick stop than a full-blown adventure. Park, walk a few steps, take a few photos, and you’re done.

What to Know Before You Go

Campbell Hill sits on the grounds of the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, so timing matters. You’ll want to visit during school hours, and be mindful that this is an active campus.

When I visited, there was some construction around the high point, but parking and access were still easy. Overall, this is one of the most straightforward state high points you’ll find.

Highest Point in Ohio sign near the parking area at Campbell Hill, marking the short path to Ohio’s high pointBrick marker near the parking lot indicating the highest point in Ohio at Campbell Hill

Photos: Two markers at the parking lot, before you take the very short walk to the high point.

A Lot of History for a Small Hill

What Campbell Hill lacks in elevation, it makes up for in stories.

At the summit you’ll find two historical markers. One explains the hill’s name, honoring Charles D. Campbell, who owned the land from 1896 to 1937. The other recognizes Dr. Earl S. Sloan, born in nearby Zanesfield, Ohio.

Sloan trained here as a harness maker—skills that eventually led him to create Sloan’s Liniment, a product that became a household name. He believed strongly in learning a trade, and it’s kind of wild to trace that philosophy back to this quiet hilltop.

Ohio Historical Marker for Campbell Hill, the highest point in Ohio, located on the grounds of the Ohio Hi-Point Career CenterU.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey benchmark marking the highest point in Ohio at Campbell HillPlaque honoring Dr. Earl S. Sloan at Campbell Hill, recognizing his legacy and connection to Ohio’s highest point

Pictures: Campbell Hill Historical Marker | U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Marker | Dr. Earl S. Sloan Historical Marker

A Cold War Footnote

There’s also a Cold War chapter to Campbell Hill’s story.

In 1951, the federal government established the 664th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron here as part of NORAD. Military and civilian operators used radar and early computer systems to track aircraft and relay information to a central site in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Not exactly what you expect from a high point inside a school campus.

Wide view of Campbell Hill with the Ohio Historical Marker, flagpole, and surrounding landscape on the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center groundsVisitor standing beside the Ohio Historical Marker at Campbell Hill, pointing to the sign marking the highest point in Ohio

Pictures: View from the “Top” | Summit Selfie!

Continuing On | Hoosier Hill

After visiting Campbell Hill in the morning, I headed west to Hoosier Hill, Indiana’s highest point—about 1 hour and 40 minutes away. Including drive time, photos, and short stops, I was able to knock out two state high points in roughly two hours.

If you’re planning a Midwest high-point run, this is an efficient and easy stretch to stack.

Final Thoughts

Campbell Hill isn’t flashy, but that’s part of the charm. It’s quick, approachable, and packed with history you don’t expect—exactly the kind of stop that keeps a long high-point journey fun.

Catch you on the summit!

Date of visit: May 18, 2023

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