Hot Springs National Park
Lower Dogwood Trail
FamiliesDog WalkersQuick Hikes
0 mi Distance
40 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type
What to Expect
Lower Dogwood Trail is a short, sweet climb up North Mountain that packs more character than its modest length suggests. The path winds uphill through a canopy of hardwoods — dogwoods, naturally, but also oaks and hickories that keep things shaded even on the hottest Arkansas afternoons. The grade is gentle enough that you'll barely notice you're climbing until you reach the boulder outcropping near the western tip, where the forest opens up and you get a satisfying peek at the surrounding Ouachita Mountain ridgelines. From there, the trail drops back downhill, giving your knees a brief reminder that gravity exists. The whole thing wraps up in about forty minutes, making it an ideal leg-stretcher if you've been soaking in the bathhouses all morning. Perfect for families, dog walkers, and anyone who wants a taste of Hot Springs' surprisingly rugged terrain without committing to a full-day affair.
Safety Advisory
The boulder area near the trail's western tip can be slippery when wet — stick to the main path rather than scrambling up the rocks after rain.
Trail Details
Estimated Time 40 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Dogs allowed (leash required)
Season Year-round
Trailhead Lower Dogwood Trail
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Connect this trail with Upper Dogwood and the Hot Springs Mountain trails for a longer loop — the Lower Dogwood section works well as a warm-up before tackling the steeper stuff higher on the ridge.
Trail Tip
The boulder outcropping at the western tip makes a great rest stop with a flat perch for snacking — arrive mid-morning before other hikers claim the best sitting rocks.
Trail Tip
Park at the Gulpha Gorge Campground trailhead for the easiest access and to avoid the congested Bathhouse Row parking situation downtown.
Photos
NPS Photo/Mitch Smith
