Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs Mountain Trail
easy FamiliesWheelchair UsersCasual Walkers
0 mi Distance
75 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type
What to Expect
This is about as gentle as national park hiking gets — a paved loop crowning Hot Springs Mountain that feels more like a stroll through a well-kept city park than a wilderness trek. The path meanders through hardwood forest with almost zero elevation change, so your legs won't even notice they're working. Several overlooks punch through the tree canopy to reveal sweeping views of the Ouachita Mountains and the town of Hot Springs nestled in the valley below. The trail connects to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which adds a bird's-eye panorama if you want to extend the experience. The surface is smooth and wheelchair-friendly throughout, making this one of the most accessible summit walks in the entire national park system. Perfect for families with strollers, anyone recovering from yesterday's more ambitious hike, or visitors who simply want a peaceful walk with rewarding views.
Trail Details
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time 75 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Dogs allowed (leash required)
Season Year-round
Trailhead Hot Springs Mountain Trail
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Park at the Hot Springs Mountain Tower parking area and walk the loop in either direction — counterclockwise hits the best south-facing overlooks first, which matters on hazy afternoons when visibility fades.
Trail Tip
Combine this with the short climb up Hot Springs Mountain Tower (included with park entry) for a 360-degree view that puts the trail's overlooks in context — do the tower first, then the trail, so you can spot landmarks you just saw from above.
Trail Tip
Walk this trail at dusk on a weekday and you'll likely have the overlooks to yourself — sunset light turns the Ouachita ridgelines gold, and most visitors clear out after the tower closes.
Photos
NPS Photo/Mitch Smith
