Best trails in Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park lies at the heart of downtown Hot Springs, preserving historic Bathhouse Row and its thermal waters amid forested mountain terrain. Self-guided and guided ranger tours begin at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center. Explore about 26 miles of interconnected hiking trails through oak-pine forests, or drive scenic roads to overlooks and Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Visitors can touch hot spring water at display springs or soak inside Buckstaff or Quapaw bathhouses. Gulpha Gorge Campground offers picnic and camping facilities with RV hookups.
Top trails
- (2060)•Moderate•2.6 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrTake the short hike below North Mountain's overlook. There are stone bars placed along the way to prevent erosion. The lower side of the trail opens to flowery glades below the third switchback, offering vistas of Indian Mountain and east Hot Springs. The trail becomes uneven and rocky here, and after several hundred feet, you will pass beneath huge novaculite boulders. Goat Rock Overlook is 40 feet above you. A sign indicates the stairway to the overlook. Stone steps rise 240 nonvertical...
- (1593)•Moderate•3.1 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrStarting at the Gulpha Gorge Trail, prepare for a steep climb that leads you to the Hot Springs Mountain Trail. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a lovely overlook. Don't forget to look for vibrant wildflowers in the spring, adding bursts of color to the beautiful landscape!
- (1493)•Moderate•1.3 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe beginning of Peak Trail is paved, then turns to gravel. This trail is a steady incline the entire way. Peak trail leads to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which provides great views of the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer along this trail. This is a great trail for the entire family.
- (1456)•Moderate•4.6 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrStart near Hot Springs Visitor Center by taking Peak Trail to Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers spectacular views of the town of Hot Springs. From there, follow Hot Springs Mountain Trail to the Gulpha Gorge Trail down to Dead Chief Trail to the Sunset Trail (into the campground) and back up to the Goat Rock Trail. Make sure to hike up the Goat Rock for some more spectacular views. Then take Goat Rock Trail back to the Gulpha Gorge Trail and Hot Springs Mountain Trail back to Peak...
- (1566)•Moderate•2.5 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis route combines two of the most popular trails available at Hot Springs National Park so that visitors can enjoy an extended route featuring both. There are beautiful vistas on the Upper Dogwood trail and a great viewpoint of Goat Rock along the way. The trail is well-maintained and also well-marked.
- (1163)•Moderate•3.3 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThe Oertel Trail intersects with the Short Cut Trail, which leads to the summit of Hot Springs Mountain, and with the Gulpha Gorge Trail, which leads to the Gulpha Gorge Campground. Restrooms, water, and picnic areas are located at the campground, and the mountain summit. Start from behind the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center at the Grand Promenade.
- (1746)•Moderate•2.3 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrModerate inclines can be found along the trail, but overall it's a comfortable walk. The trail itself is wide and well-maintained, making for an enjoyable hiking experience. You'll find the West Mountain Shelter House conveniently located in the middle of West Mountain near the start of the loop. It's a great spot to take a break and relax in the shade after a long hike. This shelter has a rich history and is the oldest one still standing in the park, having been built back in 1924.
- (1021)•Easy•0.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis is a short leisurely paved walk in a very beautiful area at Hot Springs National Park. This route takes you behind the historic Bathhouse Row and then you'll continue around to the front of these historic buildings. There are interesting informational markers along the way. Accessibility: Equipment This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers. Parking There is 1 designated van-accessible space with striped access aisles on the paved...
- (872)•Hard•13.0 mi•Est. 6.5–7 hrThis loop is the longest trail in Hot Springs National Park. The trail is well-maintained with some steep sections for an added challenge. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the beautiful scenery along the way with viewpoints in various locations. It is recommended to hike the trail counterclockwise for the best views, as the trail climbs gradually and then descends steeply on the other side.
- (730)•Moderate•1.4 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrTo reach the trailhead, you can park your vehicle at the amphitheater parking area located in the Gulpha Gorge Campground. Once you cross Gulpha Creek via the stepping stones, take the left trail. The first half of this trail is quite steep. On your right-hand side, you will come across the Gulpha Gorge Trail that leads up the mountain to meet the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and the Goat Rock Trail. Be prepared for a challenging and steep hike along gravel terrain that offers stunning views of...
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Visitor info
Hours & contact
Open 7 days a week
Passes & fees
No fee required
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • 5 am–10 pm
Phone
(501) 620-6715
No entrance fee or pass is required.
Annual pass
All U.S. national parks
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
$80
Purchase pass
Overview
Hot Springs National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but the Interagency Access Pass allows pass holders to receive a 50% discount on other park amenities, such as camping.
The Fordyce Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning and audio descriptions.
Loaner wheelchairs, Braille materials, and tactile exhibits are available.
ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please contact the park at least 2 weeks in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.
Additional information about accessibility at Hot Springs National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Facilities
The Fordyce Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning and audio descriptions.
All restrooms in the park are wheelchair accessible.
Camping
Gulpha Gorge Campground has individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and restrooms.
Service animals
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Parks
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Hot Springs National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Hot Springs National Park is Goat Rock Trail, which has a 4.5 star rating from 2,060 reviews. This trail is 2.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 406 ft.
What is the longest trail in Hot Springs National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Hot Springs National Park is Sunset Trail. This trail is estimated to be 13.0 mi long.
How many trails are in Hot Springs National Park?
There are 25 trails in Hot Springs National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 18,410 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Hot Springs National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Hot Springs National Park has you covered. Sunset Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 2,385 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Hot Springs Sunset Trail Full Circle, which will get you 2,257 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Hot Springs National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 camping trails in Hot Springs National Park and the most popular is Sunset Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 872 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Hot Springs National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 21 running trails in Hot Springs National Park and the most popular is Peak Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 1,493 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Hot Springs National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Hot Springs National Park and the most popular is West Mountain Scenic Drive with an average 4.4 star rating from 199 community reviews.
What are the best summer hikes in Hot Springs National Park?
Some popular summer hiking trails in Hot Springs National Park are Goat Rock Trail, West Mountain Loop, Peak Trail, Hot Spring Mountain Loop via Gulpha Gorge Trail, and Hot Springs Mountain Trail Loop to Gulpha Gorge and Goat Rock.
What are the best fall hikes in Hot Springs National Park?
Some popular fall hiking trails in Hot Springs National Park are Goat Rock Trail, West Mountain Loop, Peak Trail, Hot Spring Mountain Loop via Gulpha Gorge Trail, and Goat Rock and Upper Dogwood.
What are the best winter hikes in Hot Springs National Park?
Some popular winter hiking trails in Hot Springs National Park are Goat Rock Trail, West Mountain Loop, Goat Rock and Upper Dogwood, Oertel Trail, and Hot Spring Mountain Loop via Gulpha Gorge Trail.
What are the best spring hikes in Hot Springs National Park?
Some popular spring hiking trails in Hot Springs National Park are Hot Spring Mountain Loop via Gulpha Gorge Trail, Goat Rock Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Trail Loop to Gulpha Gorge and Goat Rock, Peak Trail, and Goat Rock and Upper Dogwood.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Hot Springs National Park?
Yes, there are 18 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Hot Springs National Park, including Goat Rock Trail, Hot Spring Mountain Loop via Gulpha Gorge Trail, Peak Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Trail Loop to Gulpha Gorge and Goat Rock, and Goat Rock and Upper Dogwood.
Are there any trails with dams in Hot Springs National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with dams in Hot Springs National Park, including Sunset Trail and Hot Springs Sunset Trail Full Circle.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Hot Springs National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with scenic viewpoints in Hot Springs National Park, including Goat Rock Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Trail Loop to Gulpha Gorge and Goat Rock, Goat Rock and Upper Dogwood, and Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail (Gulpha Gorge Trail).
