Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rain that fell thousands of years ago seeps deep into the earth here, heats up and flows back out as hot springs, and people have come to soak in it for centuries. The park wraps around downtown Hot Springs, where grand old bathhouses line Central Avenue and you can still take a thermal bath. Behind them, forested ridges in the Ouachita Mountains hold about 26 miles of trails. It's a rare national park where you can hike in the morning and soak in the afternoon. Entry is free, and most of it is walkable.
TRAILS
1 OF 6
Bathhouse Row and the Fordyce Bathhouse
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.5 mi
Elevation gain
Flat
Downtown · Central Avenue — Eight historic bathhouses from the early 1900s line this stretch of Central Avenue, each in its own grand style. Start in the Fordyce, now the visitor center, where stained glass, marble tubs and old massage rooms show what a spa day looked like a century ago. Then walk the row, fill a bottle at a thermal water fountain and touch the warm water at the display springs. Book a bath at the Buckstaff or Quapaw if you want the full experience.
Photo: SaraDGarland, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 6
Grand Promenade
Difficulty
Easy
Length
1 mi
Elevation gain
Minimal
Downtown · behind Bathhouse Row — A wide brick walkway that runs along the hillside just above and behind the bathhouses, shaded by big old trees. It's a National Recreation Trail and the gateway to the mountain trails above. Along the way, look for spots where steam rises from the ground. Stairs and ramps connect it to the street at several points.
Photo: Eric Friedebach, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 6
Peak Trail to Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
1.2 mi
Elevation gain
400 ft
Hot Springs Mountain · Grand Promenade — The quickest way from downtown to the top of Hot Springs Mountain. The trail climbs steadily through oak and hickory forest to the summit and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Ride the tower elevator for a wide view over the city and the Ouachita ridges. You can also drive up and walk a gentler loop around the summit.
⚠︎ The tower is privately operated and charges a fee.
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 6
Goat Rock Trail
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2.2 mi
Elevation gain
200 ft
North Mountain · Goat Rock trailhead — This path follows the side of North Mountain to a rocky viewpoint over the forested hills that feed the springs. The rock here is novaculite, a hard, glassy stone that was prized for making tools and whetstones. The view is best in winter and early spring, when leaves are off the trees. Parking at the trailhead is limited, so arrive early on weekends.
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 6
Sunset Trail, West Mountain section
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
5.6 mi
Elevation gain
500 ft
West Mountain · West Mountain Summit Drive — Sunset Trail is the park's longest trail, about 10 miles end to end, and the West Mountain stretch makes a good out-and-back. It runs along a wooded ridge with views over the south side of the park and Lake Hamilton, past Music Mountain, the park's high point. Further east, a short spur off the Sugarloaf section leads to Balanced Rock. Follow the orange blazes; some side paths cross onto private land.
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 6
Gulpha Gorge Trail
Difficulty
Hard
Length
1.2 mi
Elevation gain
440 ft
Gulpha Gorge · Gulpha Gorge Campground — A steep, rocky climb from the campground up the side of the gorge to meet Goat Rock and the North Mountain trails. Gulpha Creek runs past the trailhead, and the forest here feels a world away from downtown. It's short but steep enough to get your heart going. Follow the pink blazes.
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Hot Springs trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.