What Is Highpointing?
Highpointing is the pursuit of reaching the highest point within a defined geographic area.
For many members of the Highpointers Club, that means visiting the highest natural point in each of the 50 U.S. states. Others pursue county highpoints, regional lists, or international goals such as the Seven Summits.
Highpointing can combine hiking, mountaineering, travel, history, geography, and exploration. Some highpoints are easy roadside visits, while others require long hikes, technical climbing, permits, or careful planning.
Highpointing and the Highpointers Club
Part of the Highpointers Club’s mission is to promote visiting the highest point in each of the 50 states.
The Club provides several resources to help highpointers plan their journeys, including the U.S. Highpoint Guide, which features an interactive map and sortable table of all 50 state highpoints.
We also maintain information about access restrictions, including closures, permits, private-property concerns, and other access issues.
For those interested in other challenges, the Club also offers resources such as the U.S. Lowpoint Guide and an introduction to The 750 Club, which recognizes those pursuing both the 50 state highpoints and the Seven Summits.
Guidebooks written by Highpointers Club members are also available through the Highpointers Mercantile.
Plan and Climb Safely
Highpointing ranges from easy walk-ups and drive-ups to strenuous hikes and technical mountaineering objectives.
Before each trip, research the route, weather, access requirements, terrain, and equipment you may need. Technical highpoints may require additional training, experience, or professional guidance.
The Club provides general safety information along with selected Safety on Summits articles from our quarterly member newsletter, Apex to Zenith.
Highpointing Achievements
The Highpointers Club recognizes several highpointing achievements, including reaching 25 state highpoints.
Special recognition is also given to 48 Finishers and 50 Completers.
You can also read selected completer stories and explore the Club’s unofficial highpointing records.
Additional stories, records, and historical material are published for members in Apex to Zenith.
County Highpointing
County highpointing is a separate pursuit and is not officially administered by the Highpointers Club.
For county highpointing resources, visit cohp.org.