Campbell Hill, Ohio
1,550 feet
Visited
05/26/2021

Based purely on topography, you would expect the highest elevation in Ohio to be along the border with mountainous West Virginia or in the hills that overlook Cincinnati, with names like Mount Adams and Mount Airy. However, these prominent slopes lead down to the Ohio River; the actual highlands of Ohio are northwest of Columbus and serve as the eastern edge of some of the most fertile farmland in the United States.


Ohio: Not as flat as you think

We spent a day in Columbus before striking out on our double highpoint adventure. It was harder to navigate the maze of 32 rooms in The Book Loft than it was to find the Ohio highpoint. The trip felt like a drive through the suburbs. The elevation gain was barely perceptible, but we did experience the sort of weather change you expect from a mountain expedition: it was hot in Columbus but started to rain as we arrived at Campbell Hill.


Mountain weather

Campbell Hill is located on the grounds of Clark State College in Bellefontaine, next to their flagpole of course, because where else would you put your flag? The highpoint is exceedingly well marked with signs, plaques, a bench donated by the Highpointers Club, and the aforementioned flag, not to mention the Hi Point Church across the street and Hi Point Career Center next door.


Trail marker in the wilds of Clark State

 


The view

 


Campbell Hill, 1,550 feet
Hiking mileage: 50 feet (paved)

From Campbell Hill, we continued west to Hoosier Hill, the highest point in Indiana.