If you’re planning a vacation in gorgeous Hot Springs, Arkansas, check out some of the wonderful hiking trails available. The hiking trails in Hot Springs offer extraordinary mountain views and a retreat from the bustle of the city, especially during tourist season.
Sunset Trail in Hot Springs, Arkansas
The Sunset Hiking Trail in Hot Springs, Arkansas, crosses four different mountains; West Mountain, Music Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Zig Zag Mountain Range.
This trail is approximately 17 miles long, the longest hiking trail in Hot Springs. There are 4 different access points: the upper road on West Mountain, Black Snake Road, Cedarglades Road and Mountain Valley Road.
Sunset Hiking Trail is one of the most isolated in Hot Springs, giving a reprise from the city and a feeling of being alone in the mountains. One of the highlights of Sunset Hiking Trail is Balanced Rock, which is a quarry once used by the Native Americans of the area.
The Grand Promenade and Side Trails
The Grand Promenade in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a ½ mile long brick walkway that runs parallel to Historic Central Avenue and Bath House Row intersecting with other mountain trails. The views of downtown Hot Springs from this hiking trail are amazing! It is easily accessed from Hot Springs National Park and is an easy hike recommended for all visitors.
The Hot Springs Mountain Trail
The Hot Springs Mountain Hiking Trail begins just below the Hot Springs Mountain Tower and continues for 1.7 miles. It’s a moderate trail but at just over a mile and a half long, most anyone can traverse it. Some areas are steep, so use caution.
The mountain views from this hiking trail are excellent. If you’re planning on visiting the mountain tower, I would recommend hiking this trail while you’re there. The views are most assuredly worth it.
Oak Trail
Oak Hiking Trail in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is approximately 1 mile long and is accessible from Mountain Street, across from the Hot Springs National Park Visitor’s Center.
The first 100 yards are a steep, concrete ramp. After this, the hiking trail continues to intersect with Canyon Trail after about ½ mile.
Canyon Trail
Canyon Hiking Trail in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is accessed from Oak Hiking Trail and is approximately 0.7 miles long. This trail offers a great view of the Arlington Hotel. This is an easy hike and recommended if you’re already hiking Canyon trail.
Gulpha Gorge Trail
Gulpha Gorge Hiking Trail in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is approximately 0.8 miles long and is accessible from the Gulpha Gorge Campground. There is also an intersection with the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and the Dead Chief Trail.
This hiking trail can be a bit difficult. The first half is rather steep but a trail shelter is offered at the Hot Springs Mountain Trail intersection for rest. Enjoy beautiful views of the Gulpha Gorge area of Hot Springs on this hiking trail.
Goat Rock Trail
Goat Rock Trail Hiking Trail is approximately 1.1 miles long and is accessible from the North Mountain Overlook. This trail offers views of Indian Mountain and east Hot Springs.
This is a moderate hike, with some places becoming rocky and uneven. The showcase of this hiking trail is Goat Rock Overlook which features a breath taking view of Indian Mountain.
Dead Chief Trail
Dead Chief Hiking Trail in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is approximately 1.4 miles long. You can reach Dead Chief Trail from two different access points; from the Dead Chief Trailhead above the Stevens Balustrade or at the intersection of the Gulpha Gorge trail for the easiest hike.
This hiking trail offers a moderate hike, with the beginning rather steep. The trail then levels off and continues across Hot Springs Mountain. This is another recommended hike for viewing the gorgeous Gulpha Gorge area of Hot Springs.
Arlington Trail
The Arlington Hiking trail is very short, only 0.1 miles long. It’s accessible from the seventh floor pool area of the Arlington and continues until it reaches the Lower Dogwood Trail. It’s a very easy hike, as you might imagine. Once you reach the end, you have the option of continuing along the Lower Dogwood Trail.
Lower Dogwood Trail
This hiking trail is approximately 0.7 miles long. You can access it by taking a left at the end of Lower Dogwood Trail. This trail is recommended for experienced hikers. Although the path is smooth it’s rather steep in several places.
Floral Trail
Floral Trail in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is 0.4 miles long. It connects the Honeysuckle and Dogwood trails so can be accessed from either. You can also access this trail from the trailhead on Hot Springs Mountain, just past Happy Hollow Jug fountain.
Use caution as this trail is very steep on both sides. It’s recommended for experienced hikers or those who are willing to “take it slow”. This hiking trail also intersects with Honeysuckle trail.
Upper Dogwood Trail
Upper Dogwood Hiking Trail in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is approximately 1 mile long and can be accessed from the overlook at North Mountain. This hiking trail ends at Hot Springs Mountain Trail where a concrete bench is offered for resting.
You’ll need to take a left at each intersection with Lower Dogwood Trail to continue along this trail. If you like you can access both Gulpha Gorge Trail and Hot Springs Mountain Trail from this hike.
Other Hiking Trails in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Above I have discussed some of the most popular hiking trails in Hot Springs, Arkansas but there are many more shorter trails. These trails include:
Carriage Road – 0.1 mi
Fountain Trail – 528 ft.
Grand Avenue Trail – 0.2 mi
Honeysuckle Trail – 0.5 mi
Peak Trail – 0.6 mi
Reserve Trail – 0.3 mi
Shortcut Trail – 0.2 mi
Tufa Terrace Trail – 0.2 mi
If you’re a visitor to Hot Springs or a citizen of this beautiful city, these trails are a wonderful attraction. For more information on all of the hiking trails listed above, contact the Hot Springs National Park Visitor’s Bureau by phone at 800-772-2489 or online: http://www.hotsprings.org/visitor_info/contact_info/.
