1,235 feet above sea level, Charles Mound is the highest natural point in Illinois, ranking #45 among U.S. state high points. Tucked into the rolling farmland near Scales Mound, this quiet rise was my 28th state high point—and, thanks to a spontaneous decision, one that put me ahead of schedule.

With the long summer days and a shorter-than-expected stay at Backbone State Park, I realized I hadn’t booked a place to stay for the evening. So, instead of calling it a night, I pointed the car east and made a run for the Illinois high point, hoping to arrive before dark. Thankfully, I made it with daylight to spare.

And just like that… I was ahead of schedule.

Important: Read Before You Go!

If you’re planning to summit Charles Mound, there are a few important things to know. First, this is private property, and access is limited. Therefore, always check Highpointers.org before your visit—especially since the property now has new owners.

  • Exact Address
    • Please use the owners’ preferred entry point: 688 W Charles Mound Rd.
    • There is a gate and signage confirming you’re in the right place.
  • Visiting Days
    • The 2024 open dates: June 1-2 | July 6-7 (Hence the timing of my trip) | Aug. 3-4 | Sept. 7-8.
    • Additionally, visits must occur during daylight hours.
  • Respect the Property
    • This bears repeating: park along the road, walk in from there, no vehicles on the lane, and no pets. Simply put—don’t be that person who jeopardizes access for everyone else.
  • Thanks!
    • A sincere thank you to the Wuebbels for decades of hospitality—and to the new owners for continuing to graciously allow access.

My Advice

It’s an easy walk with very little elevation change.

However—bring bug spray. Lots of it.

The mosquitoes were absolutely relentless at the summit. I’m not exaggerating when I say I was practically marinated in repellent and they still treated me like a buffet.

Also, don’t forget to check in. There’s a summit log tucked inside a plastic bin at the top.

Farm gate entrance to Charles Mound with access sign and grassy path leading toward the Illinois high point.Charles Mound trailhead sign on a farm gate showing open access dates and visitation rules in Illinois.

Photos: The Trailhead | Some reminders, thanks to the Highpointers Organization

  • My Advice
    • It’s an easy hike, with little elevation change.
    • Bring Bug Spray – lots of it! The mosquitoes were relentless at the high point!
    • Make sure you check-in, there is a log book at the summit in a plastic bin.

A Bit About Charles Mound

Charles Mound may be modest in stature, but it holds the official title of Illinois’ highest natural point. Located near the small town of Scales Mound, the summit reaches 1,235 feet above sea level and quietly earns its place in the high-pointing world.

The mound is named after Elijah Charles, an early 19th-century settler in the region. Today, it feels less like a mountain and more like a gentle rise in farmland—but that’s part of its understated charm.

Smiling hiker at Charles Mound summit sign marking Illinois’ highest point at 1,235 feet.USGS survey marker embedded in concrete marking the highest natural point in Illinois at Charles Mound.

Photos: Summit Selfie | High Point Geomarker

The McRib of Hikes

Okay… hear me out.

Hiking Charles Mound reminds me of the McRib.

Weird analogy? Absolutely.

But just as Charles Mound is only accessible a few weekends each year, the McRib mysteriously reappears on McDonald’s menus for limited runs. Highpointers and McRib fans alike mark their calendars, knowing that if they miss it, they may be waiting a long time for the next opportunity.

In both cases, the scarcity adds to the appeal. And while neither may be the most dramatic example in their category, the limited access makes them feel special.

All Joking Aside

The Wuebbels truly made this summit special. It’s peaceful, open, and surprisingly beautiful—despite the mosquito ambush.

If the bugs hadn’t been staging a full assault, I would have gladly sat in one of the chairs near the summit to soak in the panoramic Illinois farmland views. Instead, I snapped my photos quickly and considered my retreat.

Blue chairs and summit log bin overlooking rolling Illinois farmland at Charles Mound.

Photo: Sitting Area – The Highpointers Check-In Log is in the Bin

Charles Mound highest point sign with American flag and farmland views in Illinois.Landscaped garden and decorative welcome display at Charles Mound summit in Illinois.

Photos: Charles Mound Welcome Sign | Beautiful Landscaping

On the way up, I passed a few fellow highpointers. Yet by the time I reached the top, I had the summit entirely to myself.

Well… myself and approximately one million mosquitoes.

After grabbing a few shots, I trail-ran back to the car—partly to log my daily miles and partly to escape the swarm.

Back at the road, I spotted a pheasant, which felt like a fitting Midwest send-off. Shortly after, I chatted with another arriving highpointer who wanted to confirm he was in the right place. He had just finished Eagle Mountain (Minnesota) and Mount Arvon (Michigan) and warned that the mosquitoes there were just as ferocious.

At that point, I started seriously considering a head net investment.

Ring-necked pheasant walking across a rural road near Charles Mound in Illinois farmland.

Photo: Pheasant spotting!

In the Books

Charles Mound may not deliver sweeping alpine drama, but it offers something just as meaningful: access built on trust, a quiet rural setting, and another milestone in the journey.

Summit number 28 is officially complete.

Next up: Hawkeye Point, Iowa.

Catch you on the summit!

Date of Visit: 6 July 2024

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