Gulpha Gorge Trail
The .8-mile one-way Gulpha Gorge Trail begins either at the Gulpha Gorge Campground or at the shelter off Hot Springs Mountain Drive.
Plan Around Gulpha Gorge Trail
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Gulpha Gorge Trail Details
The .8-mile one-way Gulpha Gorge Trail begins either at the Gulpha Gorge Campground or at the shelter off Hot Springs Mountain Drive, and winds up the gorge through a hardwood forest. Hikers who begin at the campground should park at the amphitheater parking area, and remember to lock your vehicle. You'll find the trailhead across Gulpha Creek at the end of the stepping stones in the creek; follow the trail to the left. The first half of the Gulpha Gorge Trail is very steep, but there's a concrete bench at the first intersection (Dead Chief Trail) in case you need to rest. The trail winds up the mountain from here to meet Hot Springs Mountain Trail. Mortared stone water bars cross this path, and there's another concrete bench in the last curve just before the summit. At the intersection with Hot Springs Mountain Trail there's a sign and map describing the trail, as well as a stone structure offering shelter.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
0.8 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Gulpha Gorge Trail
Compare nearby parks around Gulpha Gorge Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Gulpha Gorge Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Gulpha Gorge Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
North Mountain Loop Drive
North Mountain Loop Drive on Hot Springs Mountain is a short, one-way loop road off Hot Springs Mountain Drive.
0.1 mi away
Gulpha Gorge Volunteer Cabin
Built by park maintenance workers in 1932, the Gulpha Gorge Volunteer Cabin in Gulpha Gorge Campground now serves as a residence for the park's artist-in-residence program.
0.2 mi away
Goat Rock
To access Goat Rock, visitors must take the 1.1-mile one-way Goat Rock Trail, which begins from the North Mountain Overlook.
0.3 mi away
North Mountain Overlook
The summit of North Mountain in Hot Springs National Park features a scenic overlook with a parking area and the trailhead of the Upper Dogwood Trail.
0.3 mi away
Upper Dogwood Trail
The Upper Dogwood Trail is one mile, one-way when hikers start from the North Mountain Overlook.
