Driskill Mountain Logging Road Circuit
Louisiana's highest peak via working timber roads.
At 535 feet, Driskill Mountain might not impress Colorado folks, but getting there through Louisiana’s active timber operations tells the real story of the South’s working forests. This circuit connects a web of logging roads, skidder trails, and old fire roads that wind through managed longleaf pine plantations and hardwood bottoms. The actual summit sits on private Weyerhaeuser land, but the forest roads provide access to within a quarter-mile before you’re hiking.
Easy to moderate difficulty depending on recent logging activity — fresh cuts can create deep ruts and muddy conditions. Stock high-clearance vehicles handle it fine during dry spells, but 4WD becomes necessary after rain or during active harvesting. No permits required, but respect active logging operations and gates. Spring offers wildflowers and cooler temps; summer brings oppressive heat and biting insects. Campground available at Lincoln Parish Park nearby. Fill up in Ruston — you’re 20 miles from the nearest gas station once you leave pavement.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 535 ft |
| Best season | March-May, October-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Arcadia, Louisiana |
| Land manager | Bienville National Forest / Weyerhaeuser |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without any mods?
Yes. Minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD, so a stock Tacoma, 4Runner, or even a lifted truck runs this fine. Low-range and lockers are not needed, but decent ground clearance matters on the rutted logging road sections.
When is the trail closed or a bad idea to run?
Summer heat and humidity make it miserable, and active logging operations can close specific roads without notice any time of year. Stick to March–May or October–November for best conditions and cooler temps. After heavy rain, the dirt surface gets slick and rutted fast.
Do you need a permit or pay fees to drive this circuit?
No permit or fee is required for vehicle access through Bienville National Forest. Some sections cross Weyerhaeuser timberland — those roads are generally open to the public but can be gated during active logging, so be ready to reroute.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
Nothing on this trail is genuinely technical — it's rated easy for a reason. The trickiest spots are water crossings after rain, which can be deeper than they look on an otherwise flat trail, and the maze of unmarked logging spurs where it's easy to take a wrong fork and add unplanned miles.
Is there a reliable water source on trail, or do I need to bring everything in?
There is no potable water on this circuit — bring everything you need for the day or overnight. Cell service is spotty throughout, so don't count on navigation or emergency calls working reliably; download offline maps before you leave Arcadia.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.