Location and surroundings
Charles Mound is located in the United States, specifically within the state of Illinois, the municipality of Scales Mound Township, and Jo Daviess County in North America. As the highest natural point in the state, it holds the top rank by elevation for Illinois. The surrounding landscape consists of rolling farmland within the Driftless Area, a region characterized by its lack of coverage by the last continental glaciers.
Neighbouring peaks
The landscape around Charles Mound features several nearby elevations. The surrounding peaks and passes include:
- White Hill (peak), 381 m, 4.3 km N
- Scales Mound (peak), 356 m, 4.9 km SW
- Wenzel Mound (peak), 315 m, 5.5 km S
- Hudson Mound (peak), 354 m, 5.9 km SE
- Squirrel Grove Mound (peak), 355 m, 7.6 km E
- Mound Sumner (peak), 357 m, 9.0 km SE
- Horseshoe Mound (peak), 324 m, 16.9 km SW
- Dygerts Mound (peak), 300 m, 18.5 km SW
Compared to these nearby elevations, Charles Mound stands at 374 m, making it lower than White Hill located 4.3 km to the north, which is the nearest higher peak.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Charles Mound, visitors look out over the regional landscape. Within a 25 km radius, the highest peaks include Benton Mound at 367 m located 19.7 km SE, Sinsinawa Mound at 353 m located 24.9 km W, and Pilot Knob at 298 m located 20.5 km SW.
The range
Charles Mound belongs to the regional high points of the United States. The nearest higher peak is White Hill at 381 m, located 4.3 km to the north. Charles Mound functions as the highest natural point in Illinois and is the lowest state highpoint in the Midwestern region of the United States.
Walking to the top
Visitors accessing Charles Mound arrive at 688 West Charles Mound Road, where a gate provides access to the high point by foot. Walkers park along the road without blocking access to the gate and proceed along the path on the privately owned rolling farmland.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER 2001–2020 monthly means indicate that the warmest month at the summit is July at about 22 °C, while the coldest is January at about -8 °C. Months with a mean temperature above freezing include March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Annual precipitation in the surrounding area is about 950 mm a year, with June being the wettest month at about 135 mm and January the driest at about 35 mm.
Best time to visit
Public access to Charles Mound is permitted by the landowners on the first full weekends of June, July, August, and September, as well as President's Day Weekend in February. During these months, mean temperatures at the summit remain above freezing from March through November, providing accessible weather conditions for visitors.
Nature and wildlife
The terrain surrounding Charles Mound features rolling farmland and shallow Elizabeth silt loam soil on the summit, while the surrounding area contains deeper silty clay loam of the Lacrescent series. Geological formations include Silurian Edgewood Dolomite overlying strata of the Ordovician Maquoketa Formation, with local outcrops of fossil bryozoa fragments and chert nodules.
Practical tips
A walk to Charles Mound requires appropriate footwear for agricultural terrain and paths that may be muddy or uneven. Visitors should pack a layer against the wind and be mindful of ticks in the warm months. Because the area is privately owned farmland, visitors must keep strictly to the designated path from the gate at 688 West Charles Mound Road. In case of an emergency, the emergency number is 911 to reach dispatchers who alert the local search and rescue team.
History and name
Elijah Charles, one of the region's first permanent settlers, arrived in 1828 and settled at the base of the hill, leading to the adoption of his name for Charles Mound. Despite its name, it is a naturally occurring erosional feature rather than an intentional mound created by native cultures.
Interesting facts
Charles Mound is the highest natural point in Illinois and holds the distinction of being the lowest state highpoint in the Midwestern region of the United States. The top of the hill is located about 0.25 miles from the Wisconsin border. An abandoned prospecting shaft for lead-zinc ore is situated just southwest of the hill.
FAQ
How high is Charles Mound? Charles Mound reaches an elevation of 374 m.
Where is Charles Mound located? It is located in Scales Mound Township, Jo Daviess County, Illinois, United States.
How do I get to the top? Public access is available at 688 West Charles Mound Road, where visitors park along the road and walk through the gate on foot.
What is on the top of Charles Mound? The top features the high point of Illinois situated on rolling farmland within the Driftless Area.
What can I see from the summit? The view includes the surrounding rolling landscape of Jo Daviess County, with regional elevations such as Benton Mound and Sinsinawa Mound within a 25 km radius.
What hills are around Charles Mound? Nearby elevations include White Hill, Scales Mound, Wenzel Mound, Hudson Mound, and Squirrel Grove Mound.
What is the mobile phone coverage? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; 112 reaches emergency services over any available network and maps should be downloaded before setting out.