The Highest Point in Each State (and D.C.)

The United States is a large and varied country, with landscapes ranging from towering mountains to long coastlines to sprawling plains. Each of the 50 states (plus Washington, D.C.) has its own highest point, from Alaska’s awe-inspiring Denali to the more humble elevations of states like Florida and Delaware. These high points aren’t just geographic markers; they’re also sources of adventure for hikers, climbers, and proud locals.

Denali, standing at 20,310 feet, is the highest point in the U.S. and one of the Seven Summits—the highest points on each continent. Climbing all seven is a coveted goal for serious mountaineers. Meanwhile, Britton Hill in Florida, at just 345 feet, holds the title for the shortest highest point in the country. For some climbers, summiting all 50 high points (or 51 including D.C.) is a lifelong quest. These dedicated individuals are known as Highpointers, and their goal is as much about the journey and exploration as it is about reaching the top.

Interestingly, most of the tallest highest points are concentrated in the western U.S., where the rugged terrain of the Rockies and other mountain ranges dominates the landscape. Peaks like California’s Mount Whitney, which at 14,494 feet is equivalent to a stack of almost 10 Empire State Buildings, stand as a testament to the impressive elevations in this region.

You might be surprised to learn that mountain heights aren’t static—they can change due to geological processes like tectonic plate movements and weathering. Shifting among Earth’s plates can push mountains higher, while erosion and weathering can wear them down over time. However, researchers in Germany found that the height of mountains may be determined by an equilibrium of forces in the Earth's crust, not by erosion and weathering. This discovery, reported in Nature in 2020, shows that tectonic forces balance out with the weight of the mountains, maintaining their height even with varying erosion rates. 

Here’s a look at the highest points in each state, complete with their elevations (give or take a few feet).

Whether you’re a seasoned climber looking to tackle the tallest mountains or a curious traveler interested in exploring the highest points across the country, these peaks are a great place to start.

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