Hot Springs is one of my favorite places to vacation. There are endless things to do and the scenery is beautiful! (Not to mention all of the FANTASTIC kid-friendly things to do in Hot Springs!)
One favorite activities is hiking. Hot Springs has some of the best trails for hiking in Arkansas.
I’ll prove it to you.
AMAZING Hiking Trails in Hot Springs Arkansas
You’ll want to take your camera.
1. Falls Branch Trail – Lake Catherine State Park
This is a fun, moderate hike (and one of my favorite hiking trails in Hot Springs) that we have enjoyed several times. We have always enjoyed the waterfall after a good rain and our dog loves playing in the creek!
The trail begins near the campground and winds through the pine/hardwood forest of the park, crossing Little Canyon Creek several times. It eventually leads to a seasonal scenic waterfall on Falls Creek and works its way back to the trailhead.
Arkansas State Parks
Location:
1200 Catherine Park Road
Hot Springs, AR 71913
GPS: 34.431417, -92.913667
Official Website
2. Gulpha Gorge Trail – Hot Springs National Park
Gulpha Gorge Trail is a 1.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate.
source
You can access the Gulpha Gorge Trail from the Gulpha Gorge campground.
The Gulpha Gorge Trail is a one-way, out-and-back trail in the central part of Hot Springs National Park. The trail departs from the Gulpha Gorge Campground and connects to many of the other trails in the park.
Park Chasers
Location:
305 Gulpha Gorge Road
Hot Springs , AR 71901
Official Website
Don’t miss our EPIC Arkansas Bucket List of 100 things you HAVE to do in Arkansas!
3. Goat Rock Trail
Unlike some of our favorite hiking loops in Arkansas, the Goat Rock Trail in one-way in and one-way out. It’s a fun, short hike but can be extended by connecting to other, nearby trails. This is one of the BEST hiking trails in Arkansas!
The trailhead for the Goat Rock Trail can be found from the overlook on North Mountain Road. If camping in the campground can be reached via the Gulpha Gorge Trail.
Park Chasers
Location:
N Mountain Loop
Hot Springs, AR 71901
4. Sunset Trail
Sunset Trail is the longest trail in Hot Springs National Park, covering approximately 10 miles one-way. Crossing all types of terrain, the trail makes its way through the most remote areas of the park.
National Park Service
This trail is divided into three sections: West Mountain (2.8 miles), Sugarloaf Mountain (2.6 miles), and Stonebridge Road (3.8 miles). Sunset Trail can be combined with Hot Springs and North Mountain trails and West Mountain trails to complete a strenuous 15-17-mile loop hike.
Remember to stay off of false trails or spurs that will lead you away from the trail and onto private property. Always follow the orange blazes.
You can begin the Sunset Trail at the Gulpha Gorge campground.
Gulpha Gorge Campground location:
305 Gorge Road
Hot Springs AR 71901
Official Website
5. Ortel Trail (Dead Chief Trail)
Dead Chief Trail (formerly known as Ortel Trail) is a 2.7 mile that begins behind the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center at the Grand Promenade.
The Dead Chief 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.
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Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center address:
369 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
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