Hot Springs National Park
Fountain Trail
Quick ConnectorsFamiliesAccessibility
0 mi Distance
25 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type
What to Expect
Fountain Trail is less a hike and more a purposeful connector — a quick uphill jaunt linking Fountain Street to the network of trails winding through Hot Springs Mountain. Starting below the entrance to Hot Springs Mountain Drive, you'll climb a moderate grade through mixed hardwood canopy on a well-maintained path that gains roughly a hundred feet in elevation over its brief length. The footing is solid and the trail is wheelchair accessible, so this isn't wilderness scrambling — it's a civilized stroll with a purpose. Cross Hot Springs Mountain Drive at the top and you're on Honeysuckle Trail, which opens up the real hiking. Think of Fountain Trail as the lobby to a much bigger building. It's ideal for anyone building a loop route through the mountain trails or visitors who parked on Fountain Street and want the most direct route up into the trail system.
Trail Details
Estimated Time 25 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Dogs allowed (leash required)
Season Year-round
Trailhead Fountain Trail
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Use this as your launchpad for a longer loop — connect to Honeysuckle Trail at the top, then link to Sunset Trail or West Mountain Trail for a proper outing of two to four miles.
Trail Tip
Street parking on Fountain Street fills up on weekends by mid-morning. Arrive before 9 AM or consider parking at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and walking over.
Trail Tip
The junction with Hot Springs Mountain Drive at the top requires crossing a road with car traffic — pause and look both ways, especially on busy weekends when drivers are distracted by the scenery.
Photos
NPS Photo/Mitch Smith
