Here, we’ll discover exactly where you can find the Ohio state high point and how to get there. We’ll compare this spot to the state topography and find out how the other four highest points compare. Further, we’ll explore what there is to do in the area and whether or not you can drive to the top of Ohio.
The Highest Point in Ohio
Reaching up to 1,549 feet in elevation, Campbell Hill is the highest point in Ohio. Surprisingly, it’s not located in the Appalachian region of the state. Instead, Campbell Hill can be found within the city limits of Bellefontaine, a city in the west-central part of the state. Despite being more than 1,500 feet above sea level, Campbell Hill is one of the ten lowest state high points in the United States. Interestingly, the site used to be part of the Bellefontaine Air Force Station. Today, the land is owned by the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center. The Career Center not only keeps the high point open to the public, but it also maintains it. That’s right: Campbell Hill is known as one of the best-kept state high points in the country. The point is marked by benches, a flag pole, and a large, upstanding plaque.
How Does Campbell Hill Compare?
It might not be the biggest state, but Ohio still encompasses more than 40,000 square miles. At 1,549 feet, Campbell Hill, in the west-central part of the state, is the highest point. The average elevation is just 850 feet, while the lowest point in the state is the Ohio River, at 455 feet above sea level. Ohio’s topography is split between the Great Lakes Plains in the north, the Appalachian Plateau in the east, the Till Plains in the west, and the tiny Bluegrass Region in the south. The state high point is located in the Till Plains region, which is largely characterized by rolling hills and rich farmland.
Can You Drive to Campbell Hill?
Yes, you can drive to the summit of Ohio’s highest point. Since the spot is on a community college campus, the road is paved, and the grounds are well-kept and manicured. Campbell Hill is located a couple of miles east of the Bellefontaine city center. If you plan to visit, try to do so during business hours to ensure that the grounds are open to visitors. Admission to the high point is free and includes access to an adjacent parking lot. Further, the highest point in Ohio is ADA accessible.
Things to Do Near Campbell Hill
So, you’ve taken in the grand visage of manicured college grounds offered by Campbell Hill, what do you do now? Well, depending on what you’re into, Bellefontaine (and the surrounding lands) has a lot to offer. For nature walking, check out the Big Darby Headwaters Nature Preserve. If you want a little more outdoor adventure, there’s always the Ohio Caverns, which offers caving opportunities. Nearby camping opportunities include Indian Lake State Park, which offers both camping and recreation. There are also privately owned camping “resorts” nearby. If you’re more of a museum person, don’t miss the Logan County History Center, located in Bellefontaine. Finally, there’s Bellefontaine’s vibrant downtown scene, which includes a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and hotels.
The Five Highest Spots in Ohio
Now that you’ve learned that Campbell Hill (at 1,549 feet) is the highest point in Ohio, you probably want to know about the next four highest spots in the state. Would you believe that all five highest points are over 1,400 feet above sea level? By county high point, the second highest point in Ohio is the Richland County High Point, at 1,510 feet elevation. The third is the Morrow County High Point, which measures 1,480 feet tall. The fourth highest point in Ohio is known as Round Knob, at 1,446 feet above sea level. Finally, the fifth highest spot in the state is Knox County High Point, which rises to 1,420 feet above sea level.
Up Next
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