Projects

Arkansas – Mt Magazine/Signal Hill

2018 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $8,000

The Highpointers Foundation provided two benches and an information kiosk on Mt Magazine plus a trailhead registration box. During the 2018 convention, the Foundation installed a large new sign at the summit to replace the one that was vandalized.

California – Mt Whitney

2013- Amount of financial assistance: roughly $900

The Highpointers Foundation provided two benches near Mount Whitney. One is at Whitney Portal, where hikers can tie their boots before setting off. Another is in Lone Pine near the hostel and store.

Colorado – Mt Elbert

The new Mount Elbert trailhead and trail improvements were completed by the end of 2020. The museum is an ongoing project in Golden, Colorado (2007 –> 2024)
Total amount of financial assistance: roughly $13,200

The Highpointers Foundation assisted the USFS in the creation of a new improved trailhead on the south side of Mount Elbert, and the upgrading of the summit trail above the new trailhead. The trail now switchbacks above treeline to the summit, utilizing wire cage Gabions provided by the Foundation to prevent erosion.

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for the creation of a state highpointing exhibit at the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum, located at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden. This building houses the Colorado Mountain Club, the American Alpine Club, Outward Bound, Colorado Trail Foundation, Fourteeners Initiative, and other smaller non-profits associated with the mountains.

The museum, the only one of its kind in North America, has a large exhibit hall dedicated to all facets of mountaineering – including Colorado peaks (with the Fourteeners), other American peaks, peaks from around the world, sacred peaks, and a history of mountaineering. The highpoint exhibit is currently featured as a touch screen interactive display, where visitors can explore their own state highpoints as they pass through Colorado on vacation, with text describing the highpoint and its environs and history, plus photographs.

The Highpointers Foundation is committed to assisting the BWAMM in further maintenance and development efforts of the state highpoint exhibit. The Foundation hopes to be able to contribute to the BWAMM on an annual basis.

Connecticut – Mt Frissell

2021 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $1,200

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for a register and sign on the summit of Mount Frissell that provides directions to the actual highpoint on the southern slopes of Mount Frissell.

A register was also placed at the highpoint. More recently, the HPF provided funds for a new kiosk at the trailhead.

District of Columbia –
Point Reno

2019 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $2,900

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for a benchmark placed by the Washington D.C. Surveyors Association after the highest natural ground of the Federal District was properly surveyed and established in 2007. There was a dedication ceremony in April 2008, and the highpoint became officially known at that point. The National Park Service is cited on the benchmark as the owner, with an acknowledgement to the Surveyors Association. This was the first collaboration between the Highpointers Foundation and another organization for the benefit of a highpoint and for the benefit of the National Park Service.

The Highpointers Foundation worked with the National Park Service to create an interpretive sign to alert visitors to the significance of Point Reno as a state highpoint and to assist them with two signs that give directions to more easily locate the hard-to-find benchmark.

Florida – Britton Hill

2014 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $2,200

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for two benches and a kiosk that were placed on Britton Hill close to the Florida Highpoint.

Walton County Commissioner Kenneth Pridgen visited the highpoint to enjoy a bench.

Georgia – Brasstown Bald

2023 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $9,100

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for two benches and an information kiosk on Brasstown Bald. One bench is on the observation deck, providing rest and views. The second bench is at the upper shuttle stop where weary visitors can await their transportation to the parking area below. The information kiosk is on the wall on the breezeway educating visitors about the importance of Brasstown Bald and other state highpoints. The kiosk also advises highpointers to check with visitor center staff to gain access to the true benchmark, which is set in bedrock beneath the building. The benches were installed by Pam and Julie from Friends of Brasstown Bald with USFS employee Lorne Cosner (pictured).

The Highpointers Foundation worked with the Brasstown Bald management to pay for the refurbishment of historical metal signs, a project that is now done. We are also working to create new interpretive signs alerting visitors that they can indeed visit the actual benchmark behind a locked door, if they ask at the front desk inside. We also paid for scenic vista signs around the observation deck that identify the distant hills and mountains.

Idaho – Mt Borah

2016 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $100

The Highpointers Foundation has provided funds for an ammo box register that was placed on the summit of Idaho’s Mount Borah in 2017.

Potential future project ideas for Borah include a bench and kiosk at the trailhead parking area, and signage en route to the trailhead.

Illinois – Charles Mound

2023 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $4,300

We have very recently reached agreement with Wayne & Jean Wuebbels, the landowners of the Illinois highpoint, for two signs after considerable cooperation. The signs were installed at Charles Mound in summer 2023.

The Foundation may also be funding gravel improvements for the access road soon. Stay tuned for updates and more photos!

Indiana – Hoosier Hill

2014 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $1,300

The Highpointers Foundation has provided funds for signs leading visitors to the highpoint from the local road. These signs, developed by the Renaissance Signs firm of Gonic NH, employ theft-resistant bolts to deter vandals. Previous work by an Eagle Scout is being supplemented by new improvements from the Foundation, including a bench, and possibly a picnic table and info kiosk to come.

Iowa – Hawkeye Point

2019 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $13,200

The Highpointers Foundation has provided funds for major renovations at Hawkeye Point. There has been active work to foster a relationship with both the private property owners, and the local Osceola County government. In 2007-2008 an agreement was reached and the Sterler family, owners of the farm for many decades, donated the actual land at the highpoint to the County, and sold the remaining several acres of the surrounding farm houses to the County. The County now has possession of the highpoint. County agencies will occupy the building on the location to help offset the purchase price, and state funding is being sought to assist in a visitor center.

An informational kiosk has been built near the highpoint, and the old license plate display is on the back side of it. A flagpole has been erected, as well as five tall posts with 10 signs on each, indicating the distance and direction to other US highpoints. The Foundation funded the creation of the 50 state mileage markers that are mounted on the posts. Major landscaping around the highpoint and the house has been completed. An 18-foot high observation platform has been built around the old corn silo.

The highway which passes close by to the west of Hawkeye Point was recently upgraded to a major 4-lane highway, and the corridor now draws a substantially higher volume of traffic than in years past. A visitor center would bring many in for a stop. A seven acre plot of wooded land immediately north of the highpoint has been purchased from the state of Iowa Highway Department for a campground as well, and initial development occurred in 2011-2015. Brush has been cleared, and gravel laid for camping and RVs. A bathroom with showers and a picnic pavilion was completed in summer 2015. In 2018, the Foundation sponsored the upgrading of the electric outlets to 50 amps at the campground. Weary travelers can now find a place to stay next to the highpoint, perhaps one of the few locally owned highpoints in America where overnight visitation is allowed this close to the actual highpoint. The Highpointers Foundation provided the majority of funds to acquire and develop this acreage.

The Highpointers Foundation also helped to memorialize Hawkeye Point Foundation Creator Kirk Grau, who passed away in 2013.

Louisiana – Driskill Mountain

2023 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $4,300

The Highpointers Foundation has provided two benches for visitors, one at the highpoint and one at a view site. In cooperation with the land owners, we have placed an information kiosk at the highpoint. The LA highpoint owner reached out to the Club for assistance due to concerns over visitor safety. Some hikers had been straying off of the road onto alternate paths, and local hunters were not expecting this. The HPF provided signage advising hikers to stay on the trail, and to wear blaze orange during hunting season in late fall. The signs were installed in January 2018.

Maine – Mt Katahdin

2023 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $20,000

In summer of 2022, through Friends of Baxter State Park, the Foundation sponsored two students to do special research projects related to Katahdin for $5K each. We anticipate continuing this funding,
possibly funding one student for a research project ($5K) and 1-2 students for $2500 each for trail work, preferably near/on Katahdin.

Maryland – Backbone Mountain

2017 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $4,000

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for signs leading visitors to the highpoint from the highway and along the summit ridge. These signs, developed by the Renaissance Signs firm of Gonic NH, employ theft-resistant bolts to deter vandals. A register mailbox and bench was added in 2012. We replaced the old wooden picnic table with a new one in 2017.

Michigan – Mt Arvon

2023 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $4,300

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for a new register mailbox to be placed at the summit area, along with custom trail signage and a new summit sign. This was placed in the fall of 2011. Theft-resistant bolts were used to discourage vandals. With additional funds we are now able to provide a new bench, picnic table, etc. We reached an agreement with the local authorities to place a bench at the recently cleared view spot, located a hundred yards north from the highpoint. In the fall of 2012, trees were cleared in a sufficient arc and depth to clearly see Lake Superior to the North, and the bench was placed facing the lake. The Foundation has supplied the local chamber of commerce in L’Anse with decals, magnets, and stickers for visiting tourists.

Minnesota – Eagle Mountain

2012 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $1,700

The Highpointers Foundation worked with the USFS and local historical societies to renovate the famous plaque imbedded in the summit boulder on Eagle Mountain. This operation took considerable skill on the part of Highpointer Club volunteers. The original installation company, still in business, advised on how to clean the plaque and remove about 60 years worth of decay and erosion. The plaque looked like new at the end of the summer of 2012. Foundation funds were used to complete this expensive work.

In 2011, the Foundation procured a large 50 Flags Poster commemorating the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and shipped it to the USFS Tofte Ranger Station near Eagle Mountain, MN. The poster is on display in the ranger station visitor center for passersby to view. These posters were given to the owners and managers of all 50 state highpoints in 2002 on the anniversary of 9/11. The poster for Minnesota was misplaced, and the Foundation was able to come through with a replacement.

Mississippi – Woodall Mountain

2013 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $4,400

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for a large boulder to be placed inside the small road loop at the very top of the highpoint. This boulder was obtained from 50 miles away in Alabama, transported to the highpoint, and set in place. A brass plaque was inset, which describes the history of the area. The plaque honors the landowners, the extended Brown family, for allowing access to visitors. In 2010, another sign was erected at the bottom of the approach road, at the intersection with the county road, which leads visitors in the correct direction. Close to 200 enthusiastic highpointers watched as Foundation Director Gary White unveiled the plaque, with the Brown family watching.

Missouri – Taum Sauk Mountain

2023 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $3,100

The Highpointers Foundation is working to make additional improvements at the Jakk Longacre Glade. This pleasant viewpoint was donated by Lori Longacre, daughter of the late Jack “Guru Jakk” Longacre, who was an inspiration to all highpointers until his death in 2002. Jakk lived near this point, and was proud to be the highest resident of the state of Missouri. His home was about two miles from the summit of Taum Sauk Mountain along County Road CC. Jakk frequently walked across the road and out to this viewpoint, occasionally even sleeping on an outcrop to watch the stars from there. The Club created a parking lot here, and improved a path to the viewpoint. Extensive surveying was required to legally accept this property, all provided by Club volunteers. Sign posts have been erected, displaying custom signs for each of the other 49 states, depicting the distance and direction to each highpoint. The Foundation provided a bench for visitors, which was placed in 2012. Visitors to Taum Sauk can stop here en route to the highpoint for a picnic lunch. A replacement sign was installed in 2016.

Montana – Granite Peak

2013 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $100

An ammo can register was securely placed on the summit of Montana’s Granite Peak in 2013 with the assistance of Jackson Hole Mountain Guides.

Nebraska – Panorama Point

2023 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $16,600

The dirt lane leading to Panorama Point became rutted in inclement weather, and the landowners asked visitors to refrain from driving around the mud puddles. The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for several loads of gravel to help resolve this problem, and this work is still in progress. In the summer of 2016, the Foundation commited to enabling the 1.2 mile access road to be completely bladed, and the dozen low spots filled with gravel and recycled crushed concrete. This should reduce the annual snow and mud closure days from over 40 to less than 10. In 2018, the road repairs were completed to the summit.

The Foundation also provided funds for several signs along the gravel county roads leading to the highpoint. These signs assist visitors in their travel to the highpoint and, for safety, warn of the bison herd in the area. The signage also indicates proper conservation of the access roads and asks visitors to respect the owner’s request for a nominal donation upon arrival. It is too dangerous for visitors to walk the last mile to Panorama Point if the bison herd is in the pasture near the highpoint, so the Foundation is working with the landowners to make improvements to the cattle guard encountered en route to Panorama Point. Bison can jump a single cattle guard, and a double cattle guard is needed. To completely resolve this issue, the Foundation is negotiating for a tall bison fence around the access road and the highpoint. In 2014, the Foundation placed a plaque and bench at Panorama Point. The bench faces southwest so visitors can enjoy the view of the distant mountains.

Nevada – Boundary Peak

2021 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $1,600

The Highpointers Foundation has provided funds for three trail registers.
The USFS installed the registers at the Trail Canyon, Queen Mine, and Middle Canyon Trailheads in 2013.

A large crew of Highpointers Foundation members worked hard to improve the access road to the Queen Mine Trailhead in 2020.

New Hampshire – Mt Washington

2020 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $900

The Highpointers Foundation has provided funds for an indoor register and some signage.

New Jersey – High Point

2016 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $900

At High Point State Park in New Jersey, we have installed a Foundation bench. The bench lies in a strategic spot halfway up the paved walkway to provide a rest for slower visitors.

A potential future project idea is to assist with stone tower renovation including interior cleaning.

North Dakota – White Butte

2023 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $13,700

In 2018, the Highpointers Foundation secured an easement that provides permanent public access to the North Dakota Highpoint.

The Foundation has also provided highway signs, an ammo box register, an iron ranger donation device, access signs, a new gate and bench at the trailhead, a new kiosk, materials for trail work, and a bench at summit of White Butte.

Ohio – Campbell Hill

2023 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $3,700

A sponsored bench was placed near the highpoint in 2017, and a webcam was added.

Ideas for future projects at Campbell Hill include adding a kiosk near the summit, an info sign at the gate with hours for the highpoint, or to assist with the museum.

Oklahoma – Black Mesa

2016 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $6,600

A custom granite bench in memory of Jean Trousdale was placed at the trailhead in 2016. Many highpointers and family attended a memorial service in October 2016.

Potential future project ideas include an info kiosk at the trailhead with heat stroke info, improving access signs on the road from town, or improving the trailhead parking area.

Pennsylvania – Mt Davis

2015 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $1,000

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for a bench that lies at the edge of the summit clearing.

Future potential project ideas include an info kiosk near the summit or road signs en route.

Rhode Island – Jerimoth Hill

2019 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $400

The Highpointers Foundation has provided funds for signage at Jerimoth Hill from 1999 through 2019. The original signs directed visitors to only come on Club-approved and owner-sanctioned open access dates. In 2005, the Good Guys and Gals Fund provided funds for materials for a trail to the highpoint, signs, and a mailbox register. There was an improvement weekend immediately after the NH-05 convention on Labor Day weekend, and close to 100 people helped over two days. A replacement register and improved signs were added in 2012. A new sign at the start of the trail was placed on the highway in 2019.

South Carolina – Sassafras Mountain

2020 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $12,100

The Highpointers Foundation provided a bench at the recently renovated summit clearing. Highpointer Steve Riddle funded the bench in honor of his 40-year anniversary with his wife Kathy. The Foundation provided a large rock with a bronze plaque to mark the location of the highpoint.

The Highpointers Foundation worked with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to renovate the summit area of Sassafras Mountain. The Foundation committed $3,000 to this project, and has enabled large paver stones at the new observation platform that was completed in 2019.

South Dakota – Black Elk Peak

2018 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $9,500

The Highpointers Foundation provided funding for labor and materials to help with a major tower building reconstruction. The old stone lookout was deteriorating badly and in danger of being closed. Now, flagstone steps have been replaced as well as windows and doors. We also funded a beautiful stone bench halfway up the trail at the boundary of state and federal land. Summit hikers can pause here with a view of the summit, and this point could be an end goal for some visitors who would be challenged by the rough wilderness hike to the summit.

Additional interpretive signs were installed in 2018, funded by the Foundation. We have created a second stone bench, and that installation took place in 2018. This bench is along the alternate Trail #4 to the summit, near Little Devils Tower and the Cathedral Spires, with a nice view of the summit and stone tower.

Texas – Guadalupe Peak

2016 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $1,400

The Highpointers Foundation provided a bench that was installed near the visitor center at the trailhead in 2014. An ammo box register was placed on the summit of Guadalupe Peak in 2012, and replaced in 2016 after damage to the hinges was discovered.

Utah – Kings Peak

2017 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $2,500

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for a large framed 50 Flags Poster, commemorating the events of September 11, 2001, which was delivered to the USFS Ranger District office in Mountain View, WY. This office administers the northern approach to Kings Peak – the Henrys Fork Trailhead. The US Forest Service is well aware of the many Highpointers who pass through and inquire about Kings Peak, and they are a strong ally to the highpointing hobby. This was the first collaboration between the Highpointers Foundation and a federal ownership administration, the USFS, for the benefit of a highpoint.

With funds from the Highpointers Foundation, a bench was added to the Henry’s Fork Trailhead north of King’s Peak in 2012. Wilderness trail signs were placed in 2013 and 2014 to replace worn out signs that had served for decades, and again in 2017.

Virginia – Mt Rogers

2013 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $1,000

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for a bench located just inside the State Park boundary.

Wisconsin – Timms Hill

2012 – Amount of financial assistance: roughly $3,100

The Highpointers Foundation provided funds for a mailbox register for visitors to sign when hiking Timm’s Hill. A register mailbox was placed in August 2007. A replacement mailbox was needed and placed in 2012.

A bench was also installed in 2012, along with numerous signs. The original wooden trail map signs were decaying, and were replaced in 2012, created entirely in vinyl plastic.

Wisconsin Highpointers Club liaisons Doug and Mary Urban visited Timm’s Hill to admire the new register and bench.