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Gulpha Gorge Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 90 Google reviews · Running trail in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Gulpha Gorge Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Short, steep route leading down to camping at Gulpha Gorge Creek, plus connections to other trails.
What runners say about Gulpha Gorge Trail
“Beautiful and challenging steep trail for an old guy like me.”
Beautiful and challenging steep trail for an old guy like me. Very scenic and most of the trail is shaded. I encountered deer, lizards, birds, and many kinds of mushrooms. You will also see many types of colorful rocks covered with moss and or lichen.
Absolutely beautiful. This is a sweet little out of the way place to just get some much needed R&R. The only down side is if you tent camp there are no showers on site. That being said there are plenty of truck stops along the way that have showers available for a nominal fee.
Trails are really easy to follow with many signs. Quite a lot of elevation change up the mountain and many places to park. the whole thing is about 15 miles.
Awesome Trail with lot of scenery and difficult trail. The trail goes up and down all along.
Trail conditions & character
“We're in our late 50s, and the trail was tough because of our sedentary lifestyle, but the views are spectacular.”
“The trail is a bit steep at points, but levels out if you head away from Goat Rock.”
Plan your run at Gulpha Gorge Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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.
Goat Rock Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 197 reviews
Moderate 1.1-mile trail leading through forest to a vista point offering Ouachita Mountain views.
Tufa Terrace Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 121 reviews
Scenic trail & promenade in a natural setting leading to unique geothermal waterfalls.
West Mountain Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 219 reviews
Gentle 1.2-mile trail winding through mature forest, with vista points & access to other trails.
