Home › Arkansas › Hot Springs National Park › Goat Rock Trail
Goat Rock Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 197 Google reviews · Running trail in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Goat Rock Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Moderate 1.1-mile trail leading through forest to a vista point offering Ouachita Mountain views.
What runners say about Goat Rock Trail
“It’s an easy to moderate trail, 1 mile downhill to the scenic Goat Rock, then you can continue on to other trails or turn around and 1 mile uphill back to parking.”
“Trail hooks on to others and very well marked.”
“The morning mist drifts gently through the forest, transforming the landscape into something out of a fairy tale—soft, quiet, and almost unreal.”
“Pretty family friendly trail without being boring.”
The hike was perfect for anyone with little to no trail experience. I hiked with my 68yr old dad and 7 week old baby. Easy elevation and beautiful scenery along the way. Yes, it is a bunch of trees, boulders and more trees but definitely worth it if you are into those things and appreciate what nature has to offer.
Very nice trail with amazing rocks along the trail. This one was hard for an old guy like me. The trail is nicely maintained but in some area is steep. Scenic views can be seen along the way. It is recommended to take proper hiking shoes and plenty of water. This hike was a challenge for me but very rewarding.
Oct 15th- This was a pretty easy hike, well marked, it is all up hill, but a quick little up and back, you can keep going and do the loop if you choose but we didn’t, we came back down. We did see a cotton mouth under one of the rocks you walk across, which I couldn’t believe cause it was pretty chilly.
It’s an easy to moderate trail, 1 mile downhill to the scenic Goat Rock, then you can continue on to other trails or turn around and 1 mile uphill back to parking. We took our dog, and besides the narrow trail when passing fellow dog walkers or families, it was a great experience.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s an easy to moderate trail, 1 mile downhill to the scenic Goat Rock, then you can continue on to other trails or turn around and 1 mile uphill back to parking.”
“Effin good cardio for this trail although we didnt want to trace back the hike since it’s so steep lol.”
“It’s an easy to moderate trail, 1 mile downhill to the scenic Goat Rock, then you can continue on to other trails or turn around and 1 mile uphill back to parking.”
“The morning mist drifts gently through the forest, transforming the landscape into something out of a fairy tale—soft, quiet, and almost unreal.”
“We took our dog, and besides the narrow trail when passing fellow dog walkers or families, it was a great experience.”
Plan your run at Goat Rock Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(501) 620-6715
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Hot Springs National Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Gulpha Gorge Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
Short, steep route leading down to camping at Gulpha Gorge Creek, plus connections to other trails.
Tufa Terrace Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 121 reviews
Scenic trail & promenade in a natural setting leading to unique geothermal waterfalls.
Northwoods Trails
4.9 ★★★★★ 223 reviews
Mountain biking park featuring 21.5 mi. of cross-country, downhill, and flow trails on 2,000 acres.
West Mountain Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 219 reviews
Gentle 1.2-mile trail winding through mature forest, with vista points & access to other trails.