Climbing about 700 miles over 200,000 ft of elevation gain, the Northeast 111 is a prestigious peak-bagging challenge that originally consisted of 111 mountains in the northeastern United States that rise above 4,000 feet in elevation. The list includes all 46 Adirondack High Peaks in New York, 48 peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, five in Vermont, and initially 13 in Maine. The idea of systematically climbing these peaks emerged in the 1950s and 60s, largely inspired by the efforts of early mountaineers such as Bill Putnam and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Four-Thousand-Footer Committee. Putnam, a prominent mountaineer and author, played a significant role in identifying and promoting the peaks in New England, while the Adirondack Forty-Sixers organization helped popularize the concept in New York. Together, these groups laid the foundation for what would become a revered checklist among serious hikers and climbers of the Northeast.

Over time, due to more accurate surveying, several peaks were added or removed. Notably, four additional mountains in Maine—previously thought to be under 4,000 feet—were confirmed to surpass that mark, bringing the actual total to 115. Despite this correction, the name “Northeast 111” has remained a traditional moniker among the hiking community. Completing the list is considered a significant accomplishment and represents not just physical endurance, but a deep connection to the wild landscapes of the Northeast.

While this is not an objective I actively seek to finish these days, after completing the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, all of the highpoints in the northeast, and several peaks in NH, I am already over halfway done with this list. Once my major objectives out West have been completed, I plan to go back to the east coast for a few months and finish off this list.