Madison County High Point Trip Report
four areas on Boston and Pettigrew quadrangles (2,480+ ft)
Date: May 5, 2001
Author: Hans Haustein
I used the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to help determine the highpoint of Madison County. From the
DEM I was able to confirm the points in sections 28 and 33 on the Pettigrew Quad Sheet to have a
maximum elevation of 2515' which matches the spot elevation listed for that Knob. On the Boston Quad I
used the DEM also to determine the elevations, the spot elevation of 2514' was confirmed. A higher area
north of Hwy. 16 was also found using the DEM showing it to be approximately 2520' actually a little more
when you convert from meters. The highpoint was indicated to be about 1000' feet north of Hwy. 16 right
at the Newton/Madison County line.
The area is posted, but there are no houses nearby. The area is pretty nondescript with the highpoint area
being broad with no definite point, so tramping around in the poison ivy is necessary. I also went to the area
south of the road, it seems lower than the area north of the road but I was unable to visually determine it.
This is another case where I feel confident in using the DEM because of it's ability to
confirm the spot elevations.
The highpoint coordinates in decimal degrees are (35.81921 N, 93.51778 W).