Delaware’s Sidewalk Summit

Imagine climbing to the very highest point in an entire state. You might picture packing heavy hiking boots, a warm coat, and walking sticks to scale a towering, snowy mountain peak. But if you are visiting the highest point in Delaware, you can leave your climbing gear at home! In fact, you might not even realize you have reached the summit until you see the roadside sign.

Delaware is famous for being the very first state to join the United States, but it also holds a unique geographic record. It has the lowest average elevation of any state in the country. On average, the land in Delaware sits only about 60 feet above sea level. Most of the state is made up of flat coastal plains, filled with sandy beaches, marshy wetlands, and low, gently rolling hills. Because it is so close to sea level, Delaware has very few steep climbs.

In the northernmost part of the state, in New Castle County, lies Delaware’s highest natural point. It is called Ebright Azimuth. Unlike famous mountain peaks, Ebright Azimuth is not a mountain at all. It is actually located on a paved sidewalk next to a quiet residential street! It stands at just 448 feet above sea level.

The name "Ebright Azimuth" sounds a bit unusual. The first part of the name comes from James and Grant Ebright, who once owned the farmland where this high point sits. The word "azimuth" is a mathematical term used in navigation and mapmaking to measure directions. A colorful sign placed by the Delaware Geological Survey marks the exact spot. Visitors often travel there to take photos standing next to the sign, which is just a short walk from a nearby high school.

To put Delaware’s highest point into perspective, it helps to compare it to other states. Colorado’s highest peak, Mount Elbert, towers at over 14,000 feet. Even Florida, which is known for being extremely flat, has a highest point called Britton Hill that is 345 feet high. This means Delaware’s peak is only slightly taller than Florida's. Because Delaware is so low and flat, its geography is very important to scientists who study how rising ocean tides affect the land.

Whether you are an avid hiker looking to visit the highest spot in every state, or just a curious traveler, Ebright Azimuth offers a delightful surprise. It proves that geography is not just about giant mountains and deep canyons. Sometimes, the most interesting geographic wonders are found right on a neighborhood sidewalk.