Skip to main content
Best trails in Hot Springs National Park

Best trails in Hot Springs National Park

4.5(17,509 reviews)

·

United States
#43 of 60 national parks

The only National Park in an urban area, this smallest National Park is based around the natural hot springs that have been managed for public use. Bathhouse Row preserves 47 of these with many beneficial minerals. None of the undeveloped hot springs are cool enough to bathe in as the water is 143 degrees Fahrenheit on average, however, drinking the hot springs water is encouraged. The water is naturally potable (good to drink) when it arrives at the surface of Hot Springs Mountain.

Top trails

Showing results 1–10 of 25
Explore more trails

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.

Trail reviews for Hot Springs National Park

21,422 trailgoers Busiest in March
May 27, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Beautiful hike in Hot Springs National Park

Goat Rock and Upper Dogwood
May 14, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Nice hike inside Hot Springs National Park. Intermediate difficulty due to elevation gain of 700 feet.

Conditions: No bugs, Dry ground, Well maintained
Oertel Trail
Apr 17, 2025Hiking

Hike at Hot Springs National Park and the tower. Very nice. Beautiful cool sunny day. Soaked in the pools as well. Nice trip.

Hot Spring Mountain Loop via Gulpha Gorge Trail
Apr 13, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkGreat conditions

Nice little trip trough Hot Springs National Park.

Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive
Jan 15, 2025Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

Thanks Hot Springs National Park Service for providing these great and beautiful trails.

Difficulty: Moderate
West Mountain Loop
Dec 30, 2024Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Nice, easy trail from the center of town near hot springs national park visitor center. Leaves from town and goes through nature. Enjoyed it.

Difficulty: Moderate
Peak Trail
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

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 1,959 reviews. This trail is 2.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 433 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 17,509 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 845 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 1,444 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 4.5 star rating from 194 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Hot Springs National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Hot Springs National Park?

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?

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?

Top national parks in Arkansas