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Hot Springs National ParkGulpha Gorge Campground in the spring with redbud and dogwood trees blooming.
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Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs Mountain Trail
Shady wooded trail in spring, dead leaves covering trail, small brown trail sign on lower right.
NPS Photo

Considered one of the most rewarding trails in the park, this pleasant walk begins at the Pagoda shelter just below the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Going away from the picnic area, the trail descends through a beautiful mixed hardwood and pine forest. The lower slope is steep, but offers breath-taking vistas. About halfway down, a trail shelter marks the Gulpha Gorge Trail intersection.

Continue along the trail and descend the western side of the slope, turning left at the first junction (continuing straight would would put you on the Dogwood Trail). Take the serpentine path to Hot Springs Mountain Drive, cross it, and hike up the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain. At the junction with Honeysuckle Trail, stay left to complete the loop. Cross Hot Springs Mountain Drive two more times and you will arrive back at the picnic area.

Choose Another Trail

 
Red aerial map of Hot Springs National Park, with the Hot Springs Mountain Trail highlighted in orange
 
Close up of spring water dripping over algae covered rock formation.  

Did You Know?
The hot spring water at Hot Springs National Park becomes heated at a depth of approximately one mile before beginning the journey back to the surface through a fault.

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Last Updated: March 06, 2008 at 14:51 EST