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- Charles Mound
1,235 ft · Driftless Area, Illinois
Charles Mound
Charles Mound is a 1,235 ft peak in the Driftless Area, Illinois. The standard route is the Dirt Driveway: 2 mi, 255 ft of gain, Class 1.
Charles Mound at a glance
- Elevation1,235 ft376 m
- RouteDirt DrivewayClass 1
- Distance2 mi255 ft gain
- Time1 – 1.5 hrEasy effort
- SeasonLimited open dates
- RangeDriftless AreaIllinois
Climbing the Dirt Driveway
From Galena, Illinois, drive east on Scales Mound Road toward the Wisconsin border. The high point is on private property with very limited public access (typically only 4 weekends per year in summer). Check the official schedule online and respect all property rules. Easy walk through prairie grass to the summit marker when open. Landowners have been generous in allowing access so please be courteous. No facilities at the site. The mound offers nice views of the surrounding Driftless Area landscape. Donation box available to support continued access.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (15–25 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Trail Shoes
Midlayer
Sun Hat
Buff
Light Gloves
GPS Device
Quests with Charles Mound
50 State HighpointsFrequently asked questions
How tall is Charles Mound?
Charles Mound is 1,235 feet (376 m) tall. It is in the Driftless Area, Illinois.
Is Charles Mound the highest point in Illinois?
Yes. At 1,235 feet, Charles Mound is the highest point in Illinois.
How hard is it to hike Charles Mound?
The Dirt Driveway is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 2 miles with 255 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Charles Mound?
Most people take 1 – 1.5 hours round trip on the Dirt Driveway, covering 2 miles with 255 feet of elevation gain.
Can a beginner hike Charles Mound?
Usually, if you are fit. The Dirt Driveway is a common first summit for hikers ready for 1 – 1.5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Charles Mound?
The usual hiking window is Limited open dates. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Charles Mound with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list