You’re driving through Ohio, and let’s be honest, you’re probably expecting cornfields and maybe a stray buck. It’s flat. Mostly. But then you hit Logan County, and suddenly the horizon starts doing something weird. It’s lifting.
Welcome to Campbell Hill, the highest point in Ohio.
Most people think "mountains" when they hear about state high points. If you show up here expecting the Rockies, you’re going to be disappointed. Very disappointed. It’s basically a big, well-groomed hill sitting at $1,549.09$ feet above sea level. It isn't a rugged wilderness peak; it’s actually located on the campus of a vocational school.
Yes, a school.
Why a Career Center Owns the Peak
It’s a weird vibe, right? You pull into the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center in Bellefontaine (pronounced "bell-fountain" by the way, don't let the French spelling trip you up), and you feel like you’re just dropping off a student for welding class. But this spot has layers.
Before it was an educational hub, it was a Cold War radar station. From 1951 to 1969, the 664th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron lived here. They were staring at radar screens, waiting for Soviet bombers that never came. The government eventually handed the keys over to the school, which is why the "climb" involves a paved driveway and a flagpole.
The Most Manicured High Point in America
High-pointers—people who obsessively visit the highest spot in every state—call this the "most manicured" high point in the country.
They aren't wrong.
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Instead of rock scrambles and bear spray, you get:
- A brick pillar with a secret drawer.
- Printed certificates you can sign and take home.
- A guest register that’s basically a "who's who" of geography nerds.
- Benches. Because standing at $1,550$ feet is exhausting, apparently.
Honestly, it’s charming. There’s something deeply Ohioan about the highest spot in the state being a place where kids learn HVAC and you can get a certificate from a drawer in a post.
The Science of the "Bump"
Geologically, Campbell Hill is a glacial moraine. When the glaciers retreated thousands of years ago, they basically acted like a giant bulldozer, dumping a pile of rocks and dirt right here. It’s part of the Bellefontaine Outlier.
Because of this slight elevation boost, the weather here is actually different than the surrounding plains. It’s usually a few degrees cooler. It gets more snow. If you're looking for a "mountain getaway" in Ohio, this is as close as you’re getting in the western half of the state.
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How to Actually Visit Without Getting Kicked Out
Since it’s a school, you can't just roll up at 2:00 AM.
Generally, the gates are open Monday through Friday from roughly 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM. On Saturdays, you usually have until 3:00 PM. Sundays are the wildcard. Sometimes the main gate is locked, but there’s a small pedestrian gate to the left. If you’re coming from a long distance, call the center at (937) 599-3010 first.
Don't be the person who drives three hours just to stare at a closed chain-link fence.
What Else Is Nearby?
If you’ve already driven to Bellefontaine, don't just tag the hill and leave. You’ve got options:
- The Oldest Concrete Street: Check out Court Avenue in downtown Bellefontaine. It’s the first concrete street in America (1891). It’s a very "Ohio" claim to fame.
- Mad River Mountain: Only five miles away. It’s the biggest ski resort in the state, utilizing the same elevation that makes Campbell Hill famous.
- Zane Shawnee Caverns: If you’re tired of being high up, go underground. These caves are legit.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Calendar: Avoid visiting during major school holidays or summer breaks if you want to ensure the gates are swinging wide.
- Bring a Pen: The drawer in the brick pillar usually has a pen, but they go missing. Don't miss your chance to sign the register.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is okay, but the backroads of Logan County can be a bit spotty.
- Combine the Trip: If you’re a real high-point hunter, Hoosier Hill (Indiana’s highest point) is only about an hour and 45 minutes away. You can knock out two states before lunch.
Campbell Hill isn't about the adrenaline. It’s about the quirkiness of Ohio geography and standing on a piece of Cold War history while a high schooler learns how to fix a car nearby.