Category: blog | adventure | travel | high pointing Page 2 of 4

I am on a quest to visit and summit the highest point in each state. Follow my travels as I crisscross the United States in my quest to become a highpointer!

Stainless steel summit monument atop Guadalupe Peak overlooking the Chihuahuan Desert and El Capitan in Texas.

Guadalupe Peak | Texas (#27)

By Stephen

On February 1, 2024

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

At 8,751 feet above sea level, Guadalupe Peak stands as the highest point in Texas, ranking #14 among U.S. state high points under 10,000 feet. It’s located inside Guadalupe Mountains National Park and marked my 27th state high point.

The day I hiked Guadalupe Peak was filled with emotion. I had read plenty of reviews on AllTrails — my go-to hiking resource — and a few of them planted some doubt. One comment stuck with me: “The last 100 yards are a bit scary as you can see a long way down and the rocks are slick.” Combine that with an 8.4-mile out-and-back trail and nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain, and yes — I was nervous. I even had flashbacks to my climb up Mt. Katahdin on Abol Trail.

In the end? Was it hard? Heck yeah. Was it as hard as Katahdin? Not even close. Was I glad I did it? One word: Ecstatic.

Driskill Mountain summit sign showing elevation 535 feet in Louisiana

Driskill Mountain | Louisiana (#26)

By Stephen

On January 24, 2024

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

After summiting Mount Magazine | Arkansas (#25) the day before, I continued my journey south into Louisiana and on to Driskill Mountain.

Driskill Mountain holds the distinction of being Louisiana’s highest natural summit, standing at 535 feet above sea level. It ranks #48 in State High Points — and it was my 26th High Point.

Located in northern Louisiana within the Kisatchie National Forest, it’s about 60 miles east of Shreveport and just 18 miles south of Interstate 20.

Wooden sign at Mount Magazine Signal Hill marking elevation 2,753 feet, the highest point in Arkansas.

Mount Magazine | Arkansas (#25)

By Stephen

On January 23, 2024

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

And Mount Magazine State Park

Since Mount Magazine / Signal Hill sits inside Mount Magazine State Park — which is on my list as the Best State Park in Arkansas — I decided to combine both into one post.

The park is about 2 hours west/northwest of Little Rock, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes east of Fort Smith, and a little over 2 hours south of Bentonville — home of Walmart, for you trivia buffs.

Panoramic view from Taum Sauk Mountain Overlook showing rolling Ozark hills and fall foliage beneath dramatic textured clouds.

Taum Sauk Mountain | Missouri (#24)

By Stephen

On January 21, 2024

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

About Taum Sauk Mountain

Taum Sauk Mountain, located in the St. Francois Mountains of the Missouri Ozarks, is the highest natural point in the state. It stands at 1,772 feet, ranks #41 in State High Points, and was my 24th State High Point.

I sent a photo of me at the “summit” to my friend Pam, who’s originally from Joplin, Missouri. Her reply?
“Fantastic!”
Followed quickly by: “Had no idea MO had a high point! 🤣”

Honestly… fair.

It’s not exactly a dramatic summit. However, it is a beautiful state park, it’s outdoors, and it carries a surprisingly rich history.

Britton Hill high point monument and Highpointers Club bench in Lakewood Park, Florida.

Britton Hill | Florida (#23)

By Stephen

On January 15, 2024

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

From Smugglers Notch State Park, Vermont to Britton Hill, Florida — now that’s a contrast.

It’s been an interesting few weeks. After visiting most of the State Parks on my Best State Park in Each State list and summiting many of the East Coast high points, I decided to take a short break from both lists.

However, I didn’t stop exploring. I’ve stumbled across a few great detours lately, and I’ll be adding those to my Fun Finds section soon.

Rocky alpine ridge on Mount Mansfield with low clouds rolling over the Green Mountains in Vermont.

Mount Mansfield | Vermont (#22)

By Stephen

On January 12, 2024

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

At 4,393 feet, Mount Mansfield stands as the highest point in Vermont, ranking #26 among U.S. state high points and marking my 22nd summit. Known for its distinctive ridgeline—said to resemble a human face and aptly nicknamed “The Chin”—this Green Mountain icon had been on my list for a while.

From maple syrup to craft beer, covered bridges to ski slopes, Vermont has its vibe. However, this trip was about one thing: reaching the summit.

Historical marker for Ebright Azimuth, Delaware’s highest point, showing elevation and benchmark details

Ebright Azimuth | Delaware (#21)

By Stephen

On December 29, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

A High Point in Name — and in Context

Ebright Azimuth sits in northern Delaware, just north of Wilmington and only steps from the Pennsylvania–Delaware border. At 448 feet above sea level, it ranks #49 among U.S. state high points and became my 21st state high point — a very different experience than my previous summit, Mount Mitchell.

View from Mount Mitchell overlooking layered Blue Ridge Mountains and fir forest

Mt. Mitchell | North Carolina (#20)

By Stephen

On December 28, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell stands as the highest point east of the Mississippi River — and, as a result, became my 20th state high point. Since it’s just outside Asheville, I stayed there the night before and set my alarm early, hoping to beat both the crowds and the afternoon haze that often rolls through these mountains.

State line marker at the summit of Sassafras Mountain between North Carolina and South Carolina

Sassafras Mountain | South Carolina (#19)

By Stephen

On December 20, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

Sassafras Mountain rises to 3,553 feet, making it the highest natural point in South Carolina and ranking #29 among U.S. state high points. Sitting right on the border with North Carolina, Sassafras is one of those summits you can drive to—but after days of moving through the Carolinas, I wanted this one to feel earned.

This stop marked my 19th state high point, and while Sassafras Mountain is approachable by design, it still offered a choice: convenience or effort. I chose the longer way up.

Layered mountain ridges in the Great Smoky Mountains viewed from Clingmans Dome, Tennessee’s highest point.

Clingmans Dome | Tennessee (#18)

By Stephen

On December 12, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

At 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingmans Dome—now officially known as Kuwohi—is the highest point in Tennessee, ranking #17 among U.S. state high points and rising along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This was my 18th state high point, and while reaching the summit itself turned out to be fairly straightforward, everything leading up to it was a reminder of why preparation—and a little patience—matters more than you think.

I tend to travel with the wind. Most of the time that works in my favor. Occasionally, it nearly costs me a summit. Clingmans Dome was almost one of those occasions.