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Ouachita National Forest

4.8 ★★★★★ 6,737 Google reviews · Running trail in Hot Springs, 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 Ouachita National Forest 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.

ScenicMile markersQuiet

What runners say about Ouachita National Forest

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (6,737 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 17 mentions

“Beautiful Place can't wait to come back and pitch a tent and throw a hammock up and just relax and listen to Nature and God!”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“The trail was well marked and had great views.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“The natural scenery, fresh air, and peaceful environment make it perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.”

Absolutely love the trails.well marked and maintained. Have been in the winter, fall and spring. Would highly recommend early winter or late fall. Did encounter a rattlesnake on the trail without incident during my most recent hike mid spring.

★★★★★ — Mary , May 2022

Natural beauty galore! lake and forests and camping and hiking and QUARTZ nodules and Crystals! What else could you want? The Ouachita National Forest is a amazing experience. Take a few days and slow down to enjoy the area.

★★★★★ — Tim , Feb 2026

Beautiful Place, lots of scenic views. You can find a beautiful creek almost anywheres you turn. Even some just perfect to let the kids play without having to worry about too deep of water. Photos of creek were just steps away from our primitive camp spot!

★★★★★ — Lisa , May 2025

Ouachita National Forest is such a beautiful and refreshing place to visit! The natural scenery, fresh air, and peaceful environment make it perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. A great spot for hiking, exploring, or just spending quiet time away from the city. Truly a natural gem!

★★★★☆ — Akhtar , Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 6,737 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 22 mentions

“Beautiful Place can't wait to come back and pitch a tent and throw a hammock up and just relax and listen to Nature and God!”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“The natural scenery, fresh air, and peaceful environment make it perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“The trail was well marked and had great views.”

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Plan your run at Ouachita National Forest

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.
  • Websitefs.usda.gov
  • Phone(501) 802-0287
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Ouachita National Forest

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Get directions

Running trails near Hot Springs

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Eagle Rock Loop

4.8 ★★★★★ 119 reviews

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LoopNatural surfaceScenic

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Cedar Glades Park Trail Head

4.9 ★★★★★ 48 reviews

Hot Springs National Park, AR

Natural surfaceScenic

Dog-friendly destination with a playground, popular for mountain biking and RC planes.

38.2 miles away

Cedar Glades Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 265 reviews

Hot Springs, AR

10 miScenic

Mountain-biking and hiking trails through tall pines, plus a playground and disc golf course.

38.6 miles away

Northwoods Trails

4.9 ★★★★★ 223 reviews

Hot Springs, AR

65 miMixedScenicDog-friendly

Mountain biking park featuring 21.5 mi. of cross-country, downhill, and flow trails on 2,000 acres.

39.7 miles away

Mountain Top Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 33 reviews

Hot Springs, AR

Scenic

Easy wooded hiking path with connecting trails leading to the top of West Mountain.

40.0 miles away

All running trails in Hot Springs, AR →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.