Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails

Overlook at Goat Rock

NPS Photo/Mitch Smith

 

Hot Springs and North Mountain trail map
*Oertel Trail is still labeled as Dead Chief Trail on the park's brochure
*Gulpha Gorge Trail is blazed in pink and not white as indicated on the trail map

NPS

 

Trail	Description	Distance (one way)	Elevation	Typical Grade
Grand Promenade	This National Recreation Trail is the entry point for many of the Hot Springs and North Mountain trails from downtown. Oertel, Peak, and Tufa Terrace trails all branch off from the Grand Promenade and lead to other trails. The Grand Promenade has four entry points: Reserve Street (stairs), Fountain Street (ramp), Stephen’s Balustrade (grand staircase), and an access ramp behind the Fordyce Bathhouse.	0.5mi (0.8km)	619-717ft (188-218m)	3.7%
Oertel Trail (formerly Dead Chief Trail)	From downtown, ascend the Stephen's Balustrade (grand staircase) behind the Fordyce Visitor Center to the Grand Promenade and climb the next two sets of steps until you reach the gravel road. Take the road right until you reach an iron gate; the trailhead begins here. Oertel Trail ranges from moderate to very steep grade.	1.4mi (2.3km)	670-863ft (204-263m)	2.6%
Tufa Terrace Trail	This paved trail can be reached from the Grand Promenade or Arlington Lawn. The lower portion of the Tufa Terrace Trail is near the Hot Water Cascade.	0.3mi (0.5km)	650-745ft (198-227m)	6%
Peak Trail	The beginning of Peak Trail is paved then turns to gravel. Peak Trail leads to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.	0.6mi (1.0km)	644-1044ft (196-318m)	12.6%
Short Cut Trail	Short Cut Trail connects Oertel Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail near a picnic area.	0.2mi (0.3km)	813-1036ft (247-316m)	21.1%
Reserve Trail	Reserve Trail connects Oertel Trail with Spring Street and Reserve Street at a "Y" intersection.	0.3mi (0.5km)	622-713ft (190-217m)	5.7%
Hot Springs Mountain Trail	Hot Springs Mountain Trail is an easy stroll around the top of the mountain with several scenic overlooks.	1.7mi (2.7km)	952-994ft (290-303m)	0.5%
Honeysuckle Trail	Honeysuckle Trail connects Peak Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail.	0.5mi (0.8km)	727-870ft (222-265m)	5.4%
Fountain Trail	This short trail begins on Fountain Street below the entrance to Hot Springs Mountain Drive. Use it to reach Honeysuckle Trail by crossing the road.	0.2mi (0.3km)	657-760ft (200-232m)	9.8%
Grand Avenue Trail	Grand Avenue Trail connects Oertel Trail with Grand Avenue. A local motel lies just south of the trailhead.	0.2mi (0.3km)	581-631ft (177-192m)	4.7%
Goat Rock Trail	Limited parking is available at the overlook on North Mountain. The trailhead starts south of the parking area.	1.1mi (1.8km)	886-1067ft (270-325m)	3.2%
Gulpha Gorge Trail	Gulpha Gorge Trail connects the Gulpha Gorge Campground to many of the park's trails. The trail going west from the campground is steep.	0.6mi (1.0km)	530-968ft (162-295m)	13.8%
Floral Trail	Floral Trail connects Lower Dogwood Trail and Honeysuckle Trail. From either trailhead you will descend into a valley and climb the other side.	0.7mi (1.1km)	690-840ft (210-256m)	4.1%
Arlington Trail	Ask for directions to the trailhead from staff at the Arlington Hotel lobby. Arlington Trail will connect with Lower Dogwood Trail.	0.1mi (0.2km)	718-731ft (219-223m)	2.5%
Lower Dogwood Trail	Lower Dogwood Trail climbs North Mountain. Near the top, boulders mark the westernmost tip of the trail. From there, the trail drops downhill.	0.7mi (1.1km)	784-953ft (239-290m)	4.6%
Upper Dogwood Trail	Upper Dogwood trail has short rises and long stretches of flat trail.	1.0mi (1.6km)	880-1131ft (268-345m)	4.8%

 

Hiking Etiquette and Safety

Take plenty of drinking water and wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Stay on the established trails. Leaving the trail can be hazardous.

Respect wildlife; observe only from a distance. Horses are allowed only on non-paved trails. Keep pets on a six foot leash at all times. Properly dispose of waste, including pet waste. Pack it in, pack it out.

Remember everything is protected in a national park. Please leave objects as you find them. Leave rocks, plants, and flowers for others to enjoy. Historic structures and artifacts help tell the story of the past.

Please report vandalism or graffiti to a law enforcement ranger. For National Park Service law enforcement dispatch call 888-692-1162. For emergency assistance, call 911.