6. The goal of the Effort Scale is to compare how much human-only effort is needed to reach one highpoint, as opposed to another, under ones own foot-power exclusively. Each highpoint name is followed by its elevation then the order in which I reached it. Illinois: Charles Mound, 1,235 ft. What Makes Mount Baldy So Dangerous to Hikers? Notes: Watch the movie 127 Hours and youll quickly understand why The Maze is the hardest hike in the United States. Even some of the most experienced mountaineers have slipped or frozen trying to summit the nearly 4,400 metre (14,435.7 foot) tall giant. Our nominee for Minnesotas hardest hike brings us back to the North Country National Scenic Trail. No one aided me in writing this article and no one besides me has edited this article - it has been, indeed, a solo effort. At the pass, drink in views up and down the range, but dont celebrate yet: 11 long miles down Cascade Canyon await. Contact: White Mountain National Forest, (603) 528- 8721; www.fs.fed.us/r9/white, 3. It appears you have devised your formula and written your article utilizing information from other sources, including the Martin Classification of Difficulty for U.S. State Highpoints. I think it is incumbent upon you to recognize this in your article and place the source(s) of that information in your references. Interesting analysis and "Effort Scale" Walter, as with any formula, it is as good as its factual base, accuracy of assumptions, and completeness. Heading out the door? Kalalau Trail. Great Smoky Mountains End-to-End TN/NC Score: 78 Miles: 32 Elevation Change: 12,300 feet X Factor: Mud, bugs, humidity, Its a safe bet that leisurely Bill Bryson wont ever wax poetic about doing this one-day walk in the woods. And finally, there's also a psychological element, coming from situations, where you can't belay well, or there's huge objective danger (rock fall, avalanches, etc.) The trail is home to whats called the death zone an area where temperatures reach well over 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to heat illness and exhaustion. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Number 37. The start of the trail seems innocent enough, wandering casually through meadows filled with flowers. No railings, no safety equipment. The remaining 11 highpoints (aka remaining 22%) requires 79.86% of the effort. Michigan: Mount Arvon, 1,979 ft. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. The formalization of highpointing each of the 50 US states is credited to the late Jack Longacre when back in 1986 he took notice of people mentioning their highpoint achievement in log books at the top of various summits.