| Elevation | 535 ft/163 m |
| Subpeak | Driskill Mountain-South Peak (510 ft/155 m) |
| Latitude/Longitude (WGS84) | 32° 25′ 29” N, 92° 53′ 48” W 32.424856, -92.89669 (Dec Deg) 509713 E 3587534 N, Zone 15 (UTM) |
| Country | United States |
| State/Province | Louisiana |
Driskill Mountain: A Humble Summit in the Heart of Louisiana
Tucked into the piney hills of northern Louisiana lies the state’s highest natural point—Driskill Mountain, a gentle 535 feet above sea level. While it may not boast the dramatic peaks of the Rockies or the sweeping vistas of the Appalachians, this quiet little hill near the town of Arcadia offers something equally meaningful: connection. To the land, to a slower pace, and to the deep roots of the region.
More Hill Than Mountain, But Worth Every Step
Driskill Mountain isn’t a mountain in the traditional sense—it’s a rise in the eastern edge of the Kisatchie Wold, a small ridge formed by ancient sea deposits and erosion over millennia. The summit is located on private land, but it’s graciously accessible to the public via a short, clearly marked trail.
The hike to the summit is just under 1 mile one-way, making it ideal for families, casual walkers, or highpointers checking off another state summit. The trail winds through tall pines, oak groves, and a peaceful, rural forest that reflects the quiet character of Louisiana’s hill country.
At the summit, a modest stone marker and guest book welcome visitors. There’s no sweeping mountain panorama, but there’s something profoundly grounding about standing on the highest natural point in the state—surrounded by nature, silence, and your own thoughts.
A Trail With History
Driskill Mountain is named after James Christopher Driskill, a farmer and Confederate soldier who settled the area in the 1800s. The land has remained largely in the hands of his descendants, and the family has maintained public access as a point of pride and heritage.
For many locals, Driskill Mountain isn’t just a geographic high point—it’s a personal and cultural one. The trail is peppered with signs of small-town pride, faith, and reflection, including memorial benches and scripture plaques tucked beneath the trees.
Why This Hill Matters
Driskill Mountain may be Louisiana’s most modest peak, but its accessibility makes it a gateway to hiking and nature appreciation for those new to the outdoors. It reminds us that getting outside doesn’t have to be extreme to be meaningful. Whether you’re chasing highpoints across the country or just craving a peaceful place to breathe, Driskill offers an approachable, rewarding experience.
And in a world that often moves too fast, there’s something profoundly healing about walking up a quiet hill in the Louisiana woods—with no pressure, no rush, just the crunch of pine needles underfoot and a summit that says: You’ve made it.
Know Before You Go
- Location: Near Arcadia, Louisiana
- Elevation: 535 feet
- Trail Distance: ~2 miles round trip
- Trailhead Access: Located off LA-507, marked with signs
- Difficulty: Easy/moderate (due to incline)
- Note: Respect the landowners’ generosity—leave no trace and stay on trail
