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West Mountain Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 219 Google reviews · Running trail in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from West Mountain 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.
Gentle 1.2-mile trail winding through mature forest, with vista points & access to other trails.
What runners say about West Mountain Trail
“It was great at 1377 ft , full of switch backs , also some well maintained trails .”
“Very beautiful scenery and there is no water so remember yourself and dogs and stay hydrated , bring plenty of water.”
“A nice walk, shaded and there was a refreshing breeze as we walked today.”
“This is an easy hike on wide dirt and gravel trail up and around the Mountain.”
A lot of short trails tied together, with the opportunity to do longer trails that break off the loop. It was a well marked and well-kept trail. Depending on the trails you take, it can be a steep incline. The best view of the sections we were was from where we parked.
It was our first visit to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Took the Sunset Trail on a sunday morning to past some time and ended up taking a 2 hr stroll. Lol. On this morning the trail had some fog that hadn't lifted yet so we took lots of photos which is why it turned into a longer walk than planned.
A nice walk, shaded and there was a refreshing breeze as we walked today. The mountain trail joins the mountain top trail to make a complete round trip from the car park. Gravel pathways with gentle inclines and descents other than the mountain top part which is a bit steep in parts.
Very scenic trail that almost loops around West Mountain. To go all the way around West Mountain start at Whittington park and take Mountain Top Trail. This will take you to West Mountain trail (North) take the trail to the left. At the shelter continue on West Mountain trail (South).
Trail conditions & character
“Very beautiful scenery and there is no water so remember yourself and dogs and stay hydrated , bring plenty of water.”
“A nice walk, shaded and there was a refreshing breeze as we walked today.”
“Gravel pathways with gentle inclines and descents other than the mountain top part which is a bit steep in parts.”
“Gravel pathways with gentle inclines and descents other than the mountain top part which is a bit steep in parts.”
“A lot of short trails tied together, with the opportunity to do longer trails that break off the loop.”
“Very beautiful scenery and there is no water so remember yourself and dogs and stay hydrated , bring plenty of water.”
Plan your run at West Mountain Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(501) 620-6715
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–8 PM |
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.
Tufa Terrace Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 121 reviews
Scenic trail & promenade in a natural setting leading to unique geothermal waterfalls.
Mountain Top Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 33 reviews
Easy wooded hiking path with connecting trails leading to the top of West Mountain.
Sunset Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 257 reviews
Hiking trail in Hot Springs National Park over 10+ mi. of varied terrain with scenic overlooks.
Gulpha Gorge Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
Short, steep route leading down to camping at Gulpha Gorge Creek, plus connections to other trails.