On Hightower Bald's northern slopes are two border features: Montgomery's Corner and the 30 Mile Post. Between these two points, the North Carolina-Georgia border runs in a north-south direction for about 2,000 feet (610 m) instead of its usual east-west direction.[4] These border features were the results of two surveying expeditions conducted in the early 19th century.[5] When Tennessee became a state in 1796, Congress designated Georgia's northern boundaries as the 35th parallel north.[6] In 1818, mathematician James Camak incorrectly calculated the 35th parallel north as being located south of Nickajack Lake. Camak and his survey team then proceeded to mark Georgia's northern border 110 miles (180 km) east, stopping about 700 feet (210 m) north of Hightower Bald's summit.[2][5]
In 1819, Camak conducted another survey of Georgia's northern border, this time starting from Ellicott's Rock and surveying westward.[5] After marking for 30 miles (48 km), Camak's group reached Hightower Bald's northern slopes. When they got there, they noticed that they were 661 yards (604 m) north of the previous year's mark.[7] Instead of redoing the survey, Camak decided to connect the eastward and westward lines.[5] The southern mark was named Montgomery's Corner, after a surveyor who accompanied Camak in his two surveying trips.[5] This mistake played a part in a water rights dispute between Georgia and Tennessee; Georgia was unable to withdraw water from the Tennessee River despite the river passing through the 35th parallel.[8]
No trails pass over Hightower Bald's summit. However, the mountain can be reached by hiking off-trail west from the Appalachian Trail at Rich Knob or Bly Gap.[4]
