Best trails in Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, about an hour's drive from Little Rock. Hot Springs is one of the smallest national parks in the United States with an area of less than %{9_square_miles}. While Yellowstone is the oldest national park (designated in 1872), Hot Springs was the first recreational area protected by an act of Congress, in 1832. The park is famous for its hot spring water that flows down Hot Springs Mountain.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Hot Springs was a healing destination. Doctors would even prescribe soaking in the hot water to heal various ailments! Today, most of the hot springs are capped to keep them from being contaminated, and the water is piped into the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row. Most of the bathhouses were built in the early 1900s, and you can make reservations to soak in the water in these historic buildings. Be sure to take a stroll to check out the architecture in the historical downtown, too!
In addition to the famous spring water, there are %{26_miles} of hiking trails to enjoy. On these quiet, wooded trails, you'll find gorgeous mountain views and lots of wildlife. In the spring, wildflowers are on full display, and there's beautiful fall foliage, too! All of the trails are dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend along for a relaxing stroll. Most of the trails are short and family-friendly, but there are also plenty of options to extend your hiking time and get some steps in!
Hot Springs National Park is a great place to visit any time of the year. Summers tend to be hot and humid, while spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather. Spring and fall also bring the most rainfall, so don't forget your rain gear!
There is no fee to visit Hot Springs National Park.
Top trails
- (2153)·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...
- (1751)·Moderate·3.2 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!
- (1548)·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.
- (1447)·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...
- (1626)·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.
- (1194)·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.
- (1833)·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.
- (1048)·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...
- (893)·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.
- (745)·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...
Visitor info
No entrance fee or pass is required.
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.
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.
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.
Gulpha Gorge Campground has individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and restrooms.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
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Frequently asked questions
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Top state parks in Arkansas
Attractions
- Easy trails in Hot Springs National Park
- Forest trails in Hot Springs National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Hot Springs National Park
- Moderate trails in Hot Springs National Park
- Short trails in Hot Springs National Park
- Trails with views in Hot Springs National Park
- Wildflower trails in Hot Springs National Park
- Wildlife trails in Hot Springs National Park