Hot Springs National Park
Floral Trail
Short WalksTrail ConnectorsWildflower Season
0 mi Distance
40 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type
What to Expect
Floral Trail is a short connector that punches above its weight in character. Starting from either the Lower Dogwood or Honeysuckle trailhead, you'll dip into a quiet hardwood valley before climbing back out the other side — a gentle roller-coaster profile that covers about 150 feet of elevation change across less than a mile. The trail threads through mixed forest that feels surprisingly wild for a park sitting in the middle of a small city. In spring, the understory earns the trail's name with dogwood blooms and honeysuckle perfume thick enough to taste. The footing is generally smooth and well-maintained, with a moderate grade that keeps things interesting without ever getting punishing. This is a perfect trail for walkers who want a taste of Hot Springs' backcountry network without committing to a full morning — or for hikers stringing together a longer loop using the connecting trails on either end.
Trail Details
Estimated Time 40 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Dogs allowed (leash required)
Season Year-round
Trailhead Floral Trail
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Use Floral Trail as the middle link in a Dogwood-Floral-Honeysuckle loop for a satisfying two-mile circuit that hits the best of Hot Springs' trail system without retracing your steps.
Trail Tip
Start from the Honeysuckle Trail end if you prefer to get the steeper climb done first and finish with an easier descent through the dogwood grove.
Trail Tip
Visit in mid-April through early May when the trail's namesake flora peaks — the valley bottom collects enough moisture to produce some of the densest wildflower displays in the park.
Photos
NPS Photo/Mitch Smith
