The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hot Springs

Hot Springs offers a fantastic selection of family-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features over 30 routes, with 22 rated as easy and 9 as moderate, ensuring there's something for every family's comfort level.

For an easy and short adventure, consider the Peak Trail, which is just over 1.2 km long and leads to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Another great option is the Gulpha Gorge Trail, a gentle 1.3 km path that follows a stream.

Absolutely! Many trails in Hot Springs National Park offer beautiful vistas. The Peak Trail leads to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, providing 360-degree panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains. The Goat Rock Trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and dramatic rock formations.

Yes, many trails in Hot Springs National Park are dog-friendly, provided your furry friend is on a leash. Always check specific trail regulations before you go, but generally, the park welcomes leashed pets on its 26 miles of trails. The West Mountain Trails are particularly known for their quiet, wooded paths suitable for peaceful walks with your dog.

The trails wind through the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, offering views of rocky slopes, mixed forests, and ancient thermal springs. You can see hot spring water cascading over tufa terraces at spots like the Hot Spring Cascade. In spring, you might also spot vibrant wildflowers like dogwoods and azaleas. Don't miss the unique geological formations along trails like the Sunset Trail, which leads to Balanced Rock.

While many trails can be combined to form loops, the Northwoods Trails Mountain Biking Loop, though primarily for biking, is also a popular option for hikers seeking a longer circular path with varied terrain and beautiful lake views. For shorter loops, consider connecting trails within the Hot Springs and North Mountain areas.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best times for family hiking in Hot Springs. Spring brings pleasant temperatures and vibrant wildflowers, while fall offers cooler weather and beautiful autumn foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, but early mornings or late afternoons are still enjoyable. Winter hiking is also possible, with fewer crowds and crisp air.

Parking is available at various points around Hot Springs National Park. You can find parking near the Grand Promenade, along Hot Springs Mountain Drive, and at Gulpha Gorge Campground. For trails like the Northwoods Trails, dedicated parking areas are provided just minutes from downtown Hot Springs.

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Hot Springs, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the accessibility of trails from downtown, and the beautiful natural scenery, especially the views from spots like the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.

Yes, Hot Springs is rich in history! The Grand Promenade, an easy paved path behind historic Bathhouse Row, serves as an entry point to many trails and allows you to appreciate the park's architectural heritage. You can explore sites like the Hot Springs National Park Historic Baths or the Historic Maurice Bathhouse. The Buckstaff Baths are also nearby.

For fall hiking in Hot Springs, layering is key. Temperatures can vary throughout the day. We recommend comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and bringing a light jacket or fleece for cooler mornings and evenings. Don't forget hats and sunscreen, as well as plenty of water.