A "high pointer" is one who ventures to the highest point of elevation in any given place. Many travel to the highest point in each state, while others go to the highest in each country, or even county. For all high pointers, reaching their goals, big or small, is a motivation to go out and reach other high points. For the sake of time, this article will focus specifically on traveling to the high points in each of the United States.
As mundane as it may sound, high pointing can provide many thrilling experiences, unforgettable road trips, and many breathtaking views. Some high points are easily reachable, whereas others are quite difficult and require some training. Mount McKinley in Alaska stands at a whopping 20,320 feet above sea level, having the highest elevation in the country. Florida sits at bottom of the list at being only 345 feet above sea level. Some are extravagant, with observation towers and monuments, like Pennsylvania and New Jersey. But then there are high points like Indiana, or Rhode Island, where it's a small area in the woods, signifying the high point.
High pointing is easily one of the cheapest road trips you could go on, depend on how far you travel, of course. Most of the time, you're only having to spend money on gas (or travel expenses) and food. Many state high points are within a reasonable driving distance of each other. It's also not uncommon to do multiple high points in one day. Most of the points that are closer together, string through the Appalachian Mountain range. For example, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland are all within approximately four hours of each other, and many people do these three within the same day. Depending on the time of year, some high points may not be accessible. During the winter months, roads leading to high points that are located on state parks may not be maintained, making them unreachable, so plan accordingly.
Traveling to these high points can take you to places you never though you would visit. It can take you through the smallest towns that you'd only see in movies. Recently, I took a trip with a friend to summit the trio I mentioned before: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland. Almost 90% of the trip was spent with no cell service and surrounded by wilderness. The further south we traveled, we were greeted with dense forests and magnificent cliff faces. The eleven hour road trip only cost about $55 between the two of us, spending money on only gas and food. For $55, I was able to experience unforgettable things. I watched a storm roll in from the top of Spruce Knob, West Virginia's high point. I saw leaves beginning to change color on top of Mount Davis, Pennsylvania's high point. I hiked a mile through the woods, up a mountain, and over the West Virginia border into Maryland for it's high point, Hoye-Crest. So far, I've made it to seven high points in the United States, and hopefully someday I'll be able to complete all 50.
High pointing isn't for everyone, but an you can take interest in the concept, the outcome will be rewarding. Once you start, you begin to crave the journey to summit more and more. For more information on high pointing, visit highpointers.org.
