Spend quality time with your furry friends by treating yourself and them to a reviving walk through the beauty of the Hot Springs area.
By Diana Hampo
Walking your dog in Hot Springs, Arkansas isn’t a chore. It’s a delight because we are in a beautiful National Park! So, put your pooch on a leash, stuff a plastic bag in your pocket, and get ready to walk.
Four of my favorite walks with my dog, Aries, are all within a few miles of each other. But each walk is absolutely unique.
- Aries and I love walking in Gulpha Gorge, especially on a hot day, because we can booth cool off in the lovely creek that rolls behind Hot Springs Mountain. You can take the trail up to Goat Rock if you’ve got some time or just meander around the camp ground.
- Right across the street from Gulpha Gorge and Mickey’s Bar-B-Q is Stone Bridge. The trail is relatively flat as you walk past the lovely stone dam and old water wheel. The pond is beautiful and calm, full of turtles and little fish. I always hear so many birds when we walk in this area. Aries gets quite excited when there are geese on the pond. Stone Bridge is a relatively short walk, just a half mile round trip.
- Whittington Park is a beautiful and easy walk with lots of shade, thanks to the gorgeous magnolia trees that line the trail. Hot Springs Creek sparkles and glistens right in the middle of Whittington Park and it’s wonderful taking in the architectural diversity in the neighborhood. And you get to walk past Tiny Town and the Alligator Farm!
- The Promenade, behind Bathhouse Row, is spectacular. The stone and tile work along the way are breath taking and you get to see downtown Hot Springs from a different vantage point. Make sure you take your camera because the Promenade is the place to get the perfect “Hot Springs shot.” And it’s easy to imagine as you walk the Promenade how life was 100 years ago in the Spa City.
Please be considerate when you’re walking you fur baby. And pick up any mess they make. And enjoy all the Hot Springs has to offer! We’re glad you’re here! Find them on Facebook: Gulpha Gorge, Whittington Park, Bathhouse Row, Tiny Town, Alligator Farm.
