Order of Visit: High Point #7
Date Visited: March 7, 2019
Route Taken: Driskell Mountain Trail (main trail) and False Mountain Trail from the Mt. Zion Church – 1.8 miles (roundtrip)
Type of Terrain: Moderately easy dirt trail coupled with a mostly flat, wide logging road
Elevation: 535 feet
Ancestral Lands: Osage, Caddo
What’s in a name?
Driskell Mountain is another state high point that got its name from an ordinary 19th century American who settled in the area without any real notable life achievements under his belt.
James Christofor Driskell (1817-1901) was born in Georgia barely more than a decade after Thomas Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase from France. He remained in Macon, Georgia until the ripe age until 42. But then in 1859, he decided to move his family – including his wife and nine children – to northern Louisiana where he’d purchased 324 acres of land.
In 1883, Driskell sold a two acre of his land for $5 to what is now the Mt. Zion Presybertian Church and Driskell Cemetery. This is the same church is where visitors now begin their short hike to this meager summit. The peak and the route leading up to it are still on private property, but the current landowners welcome visitors.
Little remains behind to tell the story of Driskell’s 84-year life. Two of his sons fought in the U.S. Civil War, and much of his family descendants remain in the area. However, perhaps his biggest legacy was purchasing the land that would ultimately contain the state’s highest natural point.
Trip Summary
At only 535 feet, Driskell Mountain is yet another high point at relatively low elevation. However, unlike our quest to visit Florida’s high point, we’d actually have to do a little work to get to this summit.
We planned an overnight stop in Shreveport, Louisiana with the sole intent of ticking Driskell Mountain off our high point bucket list. Although it was about an hour from our campground at Barksdale AFB, it’s a pretty easy drive because it’s mostly on I-20.
I knew from photos online that I needed to be on the lookout for the red brick building used as Mt. Zion Baptist Church – and to park in toward the rear of the parking lot when we arrived. It was a Thursday afternoon in March, so it’s probably no surprise that we had the place completely to ourselves.
We knew we were in the right place thanks to the very obvious sign directing us to the trail. A gate blocks the dirt road to the summit, to keep vehicle traffic contained to the parking lot. But there’s an obvious pedestrian entrance and the route is extremely well-marked for those on foot.
Adjacent to the fence there were also some signs warning us to wear “hunter orange” or “blaze pink” if hiking during hunting season. There were even a few bright orange mesh vests hanging on the fence post for hikers to borrow during their journey. What a thoughtful touch!
The hike itself was very pleasant. About half way into the 0.9 mile journey, the trail splits – with one route going to the false summit, while the main trail goes directly to Driskell Mountain’s summit.
The two trails merge together again on Driskell Mountain, so we opted to follow the alternate route to the false summit and planned to follow the main trail on our return trip back to the trailhead.
The false summit trail is narrow single track and follows slightly steeper terrain, but it’s also incredibly well-marked with dark blue markings.
Once at the summit for Driskell Mountain, we signed the visitor’s log and took a few quick photos. Soon some light rain started to fall and get us wet.
The inclement weather was our sign to head back to the car, and to do so quickly. We’d already been caught in a one major Louisiana downpour during our visit to New Orleans, and we didn’t want to repeat the experience.
Although the main trail was both wider and more level, it had one major setback. There was plenty of evidence of recent heavy rain, with parts of the trail flooded and mucky.
With some creative maneuvering though, our shoes stayed mostly dry. And we made it back to the car before the rain really started in earnest. All told, our visit to Diskell Mountain was pleasant experience and we were one state closer to completing all 50 state high points.
Details
When to Visit: Year-round, though the trail can get muddy after heavy rains.
Getting There: Driskell Mountain is located on private property in Bienville, Louisiana – approximately 63 miles east of Shreveport.
Entrance Fees/Permits: None. This high point is on private land, however, the owners allow guests to hike to the summit for free, provided they treat the trail with respect.
Parking: Visitors should park at the Mt. Zion Presyberterian Church on Hwy 507 in Bienville, LA. Park on the left side of the church and look for the signs for the Driskell Mountain Trail near the edge of the cemetery.
Accessibility: Good for most ages and abilities, but will require a 1.8-mile roundtrip walk.
Bonus: If you’re heading through northern Louisiana, consider stopping in nearby Shreveport to visit the American Rose Center Gardens, the nation’s largest park dedicated to roses, with 20,000 rose bushes on display.
Resources:
- Overview of Driskell Mountain (Summit Post)
- Driskell Mountain Trail (All Trails)
- Driskell Mountain (Historical Marker Database)