Hot Springs National Park is known for its urban center but the surrounding 26 miles of trail provide an escape into the woods. The loop through the park that I completed utilizes half of the park's total trail mileage, with only one block of city used to connect two trails. I picked a cloudy April day to complete the loop, with moderate temperatures. This is not a loop you want to take on in the summer months in Arkansas as there is no water along the way, other than at Destoto Lake, Gulpha Creek and the National Park Service Gulpha Gorge Campground. All three of these are within the last few miles of the loop (or beginning of the loop depending up direction taken) and the campground is the only treated source of water. Though most of the loop is through trees, the sun does break through at points and can get really hot during the summer months. I carried a running vest with two water bottles, GU, and some snacks and it worked for April. The route is constantly going up and down as you follow the top of a mountain ridge around the park. There are several road crossings, with the crossing of US Highway 7 being the busiest as there is no stoplight here and cars move quickly. The beginning of the loop crosses Central Ave. in downtown Hot Springs but there is a stoplight and crosswalk. The other crossings are all in the backcountry across light traffic roads. I completed the loop alone and for most of the trail, especially on the Sunset Trail portion which makes up the grand majority of the loop, you will not see many other people. The views are the best in the Fall when the leaves are changing color or in the winter when the leaves have fallen and you can see more of the mountains. Enjoy the hike/run!
Athletes
Route
Route variation
Standard route
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
2h
32m
57s
GPS track(s)
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