March 27, 2026, 9:25 a.m. CT
Louisiana is considered the third-flattest state in the U.S., with the most elevation coming from rolling hills and one summit.
Parts of Louisiana are actually below sea level, with the lowest point located in New Orleans at around eight feet below sea level.
Towards the northern region of Louisiana, though, the topography has more points of elevation and the state’s one and only mountain.
Driskill Mountain is the highest natural summit in Louisiana
Driskill Mountain, located in Bienville Parish, is the highest natural summit in Louisiana, with an elevation of approximately 535 feet above sea level.
While this ‘mountain’ may be small, there’s still beautiful scenery and a hiking trail that leads you to the summit.
What is the history of Driskill Mountain?
Driskill Mountain is actually not technically a mountain, but is instead a prominent hill formed by deposits of ancient sediments.
Additionally, the mountain gets its name from one of the first settlers of the area. Hailing from Georgia, James Christopher Driskill and his family settled in the area in 1859, says Atlas Obscura.
Is Driskill Mountain on private property? Hiking trails lead to summit
Driskill Mountain is technically located on private land, however, owners of the property welcome visitors, as long as they respect the land and leave no traces of their visit, says Explore Louisiana.
The entrance to the hiking trail up Driskill Mountain has a surrounding fence, but it’s only to deter motorized traffic, not hikers. There are two different trails hikers can take, both leading to the summit.
At the trails end, there’s a clearing surrounded by hardwoods and a summit marker letting hikers know they’ve reached the top of Driskill Mountain.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
