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Hot Springs Mountain Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 3.7 (13)
  1. Areas
  2. AR
  3. …West-Central AR
  4. …Hot Springs
  5. Hot Springs National Park
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“A wonderful loop hike that allows visitors to enjoy a little bit of everything Hot Springs offers. ”

Mikhaila Redovian
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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

Loop

966' 295 m

High

833' 254 m

Low

205' 63 m

Up

199' 61 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

24%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Visitors to Hot Springs will enjoy this loop hike as it meanders across rolling hillsides. Along the way, sweeping vistas of Central Arkansas unroll and visitors can stop at the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, one of the highlights of the park.

Need to Know

You may want to bring some money for the gift shop located in the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.

Description

This loop leaves from the Gulpha Gorge Trailhead, which is quite easy to access. Visitors can make their way to the trailhead from the Gulpha Gorge campground, or can park near the trailhead on N. Mountain Drive.

The trail begins by taking the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, as it departs the trailhead to the south. Though never too far from North Mountain Drive, visitors will feel the world apart. The trail winds through both deciduous and coniferous forests, which makes it shady in the summer. In the winter, with fewer leaves on the trees, this route showcases some excellent views.

You'll then continue winding their way south for about 1/2 of a mile, before reaching the Peak Trail. Take a right, and head to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers expansive views from well above the treetops!

Once you've had your fill, continue on the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, as it curves to the north. At this point, the trail will begin a gradual descent towards the Floral Trail, and the picnic shelter that is located just past the train intersection. The shelter is a great place to stop and share a quick snack, or just take a brief break before continuing on your way.

Keep moving along the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, until it dead ends at the Upper Dogwood Trail. Take a right on the Upper Dogwood Trail, and continue a short distance to return to your vehicle.

Flora & Fauna

A variety of coniferous and deciduous trees shade your way, and you may catch sight of local birds.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Hot Springs

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian with improvements by Zac Nixon
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 13 votes

#2

in Hot Springs National Park

#3722

Overall
  3.7 from 13 votes
5 Star
8%
4 Star
54%
3 Star
38%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Hot Springs National Park

#16

in Arkansas

#3,722

Overall
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5,501 Since May 5, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Hot Springs, AR
Dec 7, 2017 near Hot Spr…, AR
Top of the Gulpa Gorge Trail
Jul 5, 2021 near Hot Spr…, AR

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Check-Ins

Apr 12, 2023
Debbie Eudy
Jan 4, 2023
Tom Herr
Forested loop around Hot Springs Mountain. I walked up the tower on the way. Up-and-down trail going over the hills surrounding the mountain. 1.7mi
Oct 28, 2022
Molly McLeod
Jul 29, 2022
Avis Rodriguez
Jun 28, 2022
Lauren Wilcox
Jun 20, 2022
William Cunningham
Apr 27, 2022
Bill Melton
Apr 19, 2022
Bear Rinehart

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