Prominence Criterion
A "prominence" criterion is intended to exclude peaks which are considered local peaks of some larger mountain, rather than "independent" peaks. Prominence is the vertical separation between a peak and the low point of the highest ridge connecting it to a higher peak. In other words, prominence is the minimum distance a hiker MUST descend before climbing to reach a higher peak.
For the AMC's 4000-Footer lists, the minimum prominence for inclusion on the list is 200 feet (61 m). Earlier versions of the list required either 300 feet (91 m) of prominence or a quarter-mile of separation.
Read more about this topic: Four-thousand Footers
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