Discover the Highest Point in Florida

We don’t often ponder where the highest point in each state is, particularly with relatively flat regions. But it is a common conversation for those who happen to be a part of the growing Highpoint community. Known as high pointers, these individuals seek the opportunity to stand on the highest ground in every state. They even flock to states like Florida, which do not seemingly have much high ground at all. So, where do they go? What is the highest point in Florida?

Continue reading to be amazed as we discover the highest point in Florida and what types of animals live around it.

What Is the Highest Point in Florida?

The highest point in Florida is Britton Hill, which sits 345 feet above sea level. It may not seem like much for anyone from the Rocky Mountain states. But since much of Florida sits at sea level, it is a decent hill to “climb.” In fact, it is internationally acclaimed among mountain climbers seeking the highest spot in each state (the aforementioned high pointers). And it is the number one tourist attraction in the area!

The second highest point is Oak Hill, which rises to a whopping 328 feet above sea level.

Where Is Britton Hill?

The famous Britton Hill is in Lakewood Park in Walton County, near the town of Lakewood. It is in the panhandle in the northwest part of the state. The park itself is lovely and features three nature trails.

Lakewood is an unincorporated community that sits on the Alabama state line. There are 3,807 residents in the community. 

The greater Walton County is on the Emerald Coast and borders the Gulf of Mexico. It is also home to two protected forests – Choctawhatchee National Forest and Point Washington State Forest.

Where to Find Britton Hill on a Map

Britton Hill is a beautiful and serene natural landmark located in the state of Florida, USA. It is situated in Walton County, which is in the panhandle region of North-West Florida. To find Britton Hill on a map, you need to look for it within the DeFuniak Springs area.

More specifically, Britton Hill can be found about 2 miles south of Florala, Alabama, along State Road 285. The hill stands tall at an elevation of approximately 345 feet above sea level and offers mesmerizing scenic views that are sure to take your breath away.

If you’re driving from Pensacola or Tallahassee towards Britton Hill by car (which is perhaps the easiest way to get there), simply follow I-10 East until you reach exit 85 – this will lead you onto US-331 South. Follow this road for roughly 25 miles until you see signposts directing you toward SR-285 West. Turn onto SR-285 West and continue straight ahead for around half a mile until you reach the entrance to Lakewood Park – this park houses Britton Hill.

What Is the Highest Point in the United States?

It may be slightly hard to picture 345 feet above sea level. So, perhaps, putting it in perspective may help. The highest point in the United States is Mount Denali in Alaska, rising 20,237 feet above sea level. Climbing to its peak requires special training and years of experience. 

However, reaching the top of Britton Hill requires none of that. Visitors can easily enjoy an afternoon stroll to the top and snap a picture of the scenic view. And it does come with bragging rights of its own!

What Animals Live Near Britton Hill?

While Britton Hill is near the Alabama state line, it is also part of Walton County, which borders the Gulf of Mexico. And that means spectacular wildlife viewing. So after your short hike to the “summit” of the hill, you can head out to the animal watch. Here is a small sampling of the diverse wildlife living in, or in the waters off, Walton County.

Mammals

Some furry friends living near Britton Hill include multiple bats, American mink, North American river otters, muskrats, American black bears, bobcats, nine-banded armadillos, white-tailed deer, wild boar, Virginia opossums, gray foxes, and coyotes.

But Walton County also has a beautiful coastline. And that means residents and visitors can also spot water-loving friends like sperm whales, blue whales, common bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, short-finned pilot whales, pygmy killer whales, sei whales, and false killer whales.

Birds

The area has over 270 species of birds! A small sampling of the treat that awaits includes Leach’s storm petrels, sooty shearwaters, surf scoters, swallows galore, painted buntings, purple finches, greater yellow-legs, green-winged teals, American white pelicans, peregrine falcons, snowy egrets, and broad-winged hawks.

Fish

As one might expect, being on the ocean means that Walton County has a stunning diversity of fish species. In fact, there are over 70 species, including lane snappers, southern stargazers, great barracudas, hardhead catfish, silver perches, hogchokers, Gulf flounders, ocellated morays, spotted morays, Atlantic Spanish mackerels, grey snapper, and bluegills.

Amphibians

It should come as no surprise that Florida’s wet and warm environment is beloved by amphibians. Nearly 50 species call the area home. These include frogs, tree frogs, salamanders, toads, bullfrogs, and newts. 

Reptiles

Florida is well-known as a favored hangout of the American alligator. But there are another roughly 70 species of reptiles that inhabit Walton County. These include coal snakes, Eastern copperheads, loggerhead musk turtles, slender glass lizards, Eastern coral snakes, pygmy rattlesnakes, and gopher tortoises.

Others

But don’t forget the smaller critters! Walton County has 50 species of arachnids and hundreds of insect species!