Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails at Hot Springs National Park

Downtown is a trailhead

Hot Springs’ connected trail network begins close to the city’s bathhouse district. From Bathhouse Row, Stephen’s Balustrade climbs behind the Fordyce Bathhouse to the Grand Promenade, a 0.5mi one way National Recreation Trail that serves as an entry point to Oertel, Peak, and Tufa Terrace trails. The Promenade has stair access from Reserve Street and Stephen’s Balustrade, plus ramps from Fountain Street and behind the Fordyce Bathhouse. NPS

This arrangement makes the outing easy to scale: stay on the Promenade, branch toward the mountain, or begin higher via Fountain Street or Hot Springs Mountain Drive. Gulpha Gorge Campground is another access point, with a trail connection into the network. Individual trails can take as little as 30 minutes, while combinations may fill a 4 to 5 hour outing. NPS

Cascade and tower approaches

Tufa Terrace is a paved 0.3mi one way trail reachable from the Promenade or Arlington Lawn. Its lower portion passes near the Hot Water Cascade, giving this branch a close connection to the park’s thermal landscape. The Peak Trail begins paved, changes to gravel, and leads to Hot Springs Mountain Tower; its 0.6mi one way route is a noticeably steeper choice at a listed 12.6% grade. NPS

For a gentler mountain circuit, Hot Springs Mountain Trail makes a 1.7mi one way stroll around the summit area, with several scenic overlooks and a listed 0.5% grade. Honeysuckle Trail links it back to Peak Trail, while Fountain Trail starts below the entrance to Hot Springs Mountain Drive and reaches Honeysuckle by crossing the road. These links let walkers shape a circuit around the tower or stay near downtown. NPS

North Mountain’s varied ground

Goat Rock Trail starts south of the North Mountain overlook parking area, where parking is limited, and runs 1.1mi one way. On the other side of the mountain network, Lower Dogwood climbs toward boulders at its westernmost tip before dropping downhill. Upper Dogwood offers short rises and long flatter stretches; Floral Trail links the Dogwood and Honeysuckle trails by descending into a valley and climbing out again. NPS

Oertel Trail is the strenuous downtown approach: from the Fordyce Visitor Center, climb Stephen’s Balustrade, continue up two sets of steps to a gravel road, then follow it right to an iron gate and the trailhead. The trail ranges from moderate to very steep. Shortcut Trail joins Oertel to Hot Springs Mountain Trail near a picnic area, while Gulpha Gorge Trail connects the campground to other paths and is steep west of the campground. NPS

Practical timing and access

Trails are accessible year round, though access details vary by trail. Leashed pets are allowed, and owners must clean up after them. The network closes every day from 10 pm to 5 am, so plan the route within those hours and choose the entry point that best matches the desired surface, stairs, or road crossing. NPS