An Overview: Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails

Hot Springs Mountain Trail

NPS Photo/Mitch Smith

The Hot Springs and North Mountain trails are popular since they are easy to reach and provide scenic views. You can get to these trails via Stephen’s Balustrade (grand staircase) behind the Fordyce Bathhouse, Hot Springs Mountain Drive, and the Gulpha Gorge Campground. See the Hot Springs and North Mountain trail map for more information. 

Easy:
Grand Promenade - This National Recreation Trail is the entry point for many of the Hot Springs and North Mountain trails from downtown. Oertel, Peak, and Tufa Terrace trails all branch off from the Grand Promenade and lead to other trails. The Grand Promenade has four entry points: Reserve Street (stairs), Fountain Street (ramp), Stephen’s Balustrade (grand staircase), and an access ramp behind the Fordyce Bathhouse.

Distance (one way): 0.5mi (0.8km)
Elevation gain: 619-717ft (188-218m)
Grade: 3.7% 

Tufa Terrace Trail - This paved trail can be reached from the Grand Promenade or Arlington Lawn. The lower portion of the Tufa Terrace Trail is near the Hot Water Cascade.

Distance (one way): 0.3mi (0.5km)
Elevation gain: 650-745ft (198-227m)
Grade: 6%

Reserve Trail - Reserve Trail connects Oertel Trail with Spring Street and Reserve Street at a "Y" intersection.

Distance (one way): 0.3mi (0.5km)
Elevation gain: 622-713ft (190-217m)
Grade: 5.7%

Grand Avenue Trail - Grand Avenue Trail connects Oertel Trail with Grand Avenue. A local motel lies just south of the trailhead.

Distance (one way): 0.2mi (0.3km)
Elevation gain: 581-631ft (177-192m)
Grade: 4.7%

Arlington Trail - Ask for directions to the trailhead from staff at the Arlington Hotel lobby. Arlington Trail will connect with Lower Dogwood Trail.

Distance (one way): 0.1mi (0.2km)
Elevation gain: 718-731ft (219-223m)
Grade: 2.5%

Moderate:
Peak Trail - The beginning of Peak Trail is paved then turns to gravel. Peak Trail leads to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.

Distance (one way): 0.6mi (1.0km)
Elevation gain: 644-1044ft (196-318m)
Grade: 12.6%

Hot Springs Mountain Trail - Hot Springs Mountain Trail is a moderate stroll around the top of the mountain with several scenic overlooks.

Distance (one way): 1.7mi (2.7km)
Elevation gain: 952-994ft (290-303m)
Grade: 0.5%

Honeysuckle Trail - Honeysuckle Trail connects Peak Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail.

Distance (one way): 0.5mi (0.8km)
Elevation gain: 727-870ft (222-265m)
Grade: 5.4%

Fountain Trail - This short trail begins on Fountain Street below the entrance to Hot Springs Mountain Drive. Use it to reach Honeysuckle Trail by crossing the road.

Distance (one way): 0.2mi (0.3km)
Elevation gain: 657-760ft (200-232m)
Grade: 9.8%

Goat Rock Trail - Limited parking is available at the overlook on North Mountain. The trailhead starts south of the parking area.

Distance (one way): 1.1mi (1.8km)
Elevation gain: 886-1067ft (270-325m)
Grade: 3.2%

Floral Trail - Floral Trail connects Lower Dogwood Trail and Honeysuckle Trail. From either trailhead you will descend into a valley and climb the other side.

Distance (one way): 0.7mi (1.1km)
Elevation gain: 690-840ft (210-256m)
Grade: 4.1%

Lower Dogwood Trail - Lower Dogwood Trail climbs North Mountain. Near the top, boulders mark the westernmost tip of the trail. From there, the trail drops downhill.

Distance (one way): 0.7mi (1.1km)
Elevation gain: 784-953ft (239-290m)
Grade: 4.6%

Upper Dogwood Trail - Upper Dogwood trail has short rises and long stretches of flat trail.

Distance (one way): 1.0mi (1.6km)
Elevation gain: 880-1131ft (268-345m)
Grade: 4.8%

Strenuous:
Oertel Trail (formerly Dead Chief Trail) - From downtown, ascend the Stephen's Balustrade (grand staircase) behind the Fordyce Visitor Center to the Grand Promenade and climb the next two sets of steps until you reach the gravel road. Take the road right until you reach an iron gate; the trailhead begins here. Oertel Trail ranges from moderate to very steep grade.

Distance (one way): 1.4mi (2.3km)
Elevation gain: 670-863ft (204-263m)
Grade: 2.6%

Shortcut Trail - Short Cut Trail connects Oertel Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail near a picnic area.

Distance: 0.2mi (0.3km)
Elevation gain: 813-1036ft (247-316m)
Grade: 21.1%

Gulpha Gorge Trail - Gulpha Gorge Trail connects the Gulpha Gorge Campground to many of the park's trails. The trail going west from the campground is steep.

Distance (one way): 0.6mi (1.0km)
Elevation gain: 530-968ft (162-295m)
Grade: 13.8%

Details

Duration

30-300 Minutes

All of the trails on Hot Springs and North Mountain are interconnected. Depending on the trail, if done singularly, it could be done in as little as 30 minutes (the Grand Promenade) or they could be combined for a 4 to 5 hour adventure. 

Activity

Hiking

Age(s)

The Grand Promenade is the easiest and most accessible trail for all ages. All the others will depend on activity level, endurance, and comfort with uneven trails. 

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets on leashes are allowed. Owners must clean up after thier pets.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Hot Springs Mountain

The Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails are accessible via Bathhouse Row, in downtown Hot Springs or the top of Hot Springs Mountain via Fountain Street. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Trails are accessible and enjoyable all year long.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Trails are closed from 10 pm - 5 am, every day.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility information will vary by trail location. Please check with the individual trail for more specific information. Service animals are allowed at all locations.