To qualify for the list, a peak must rise 200 feet above any ridge connecting it to a higher neighbor. As a result, several notable peaks (including Clay, Guyot and the south peak of Moosilauke) are not included on the lists despite their height.

Determinations are made according to the most current USGS topographical maps and peaks have been added to or deleted from the lists as newer maps became available. (By contrast, the Adirondack 46ers, which were developed using different criteria, do not change in response to updated surveys).

The Northeastern States of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine contain 111 peaks over 4,000 feet in elevation and an additional four peaks in New York's Adirondack Mountains that were once believed to stand over 4,000 feet tall. Together these peaks make up the list officially known as the 111ers of the Northeastern USA but more popularly known as the Northeast 115.

This list includes 115 peaks but is still referred to as the "Northeast 111" because that name predates the additions of Galehead Mountain and Bondcliff in New Hampshire, as well as Mount Redington and Spaulding Mountain in Maine, due to later surveys determining they do rise to 4,000 feet (1,219.2 m) and satisfy topographic prominence requirements.