Hiking Gulpha Gorge Trail to Dead Chief Trail in Hot Springs, AR

We decided to stay close to home this weekend and hike some of the trails surrounding the beautiful Gulpha Gorge campground in Hot Springs. Our original intention was to hike Goat Rock Trail, but due to missing trail markers and our lack of preparation, we ended up hiking the Gulpha Gorge Trail and a portion of Dead Chief Trail. We hiked approximately 1 mile total, but there were LOTS of hills along the way. The views were beautiful, even this early in spring when most of the forest is still dormant.

Since we were just day-hiking, we parked in the picnic area and walked through the campground, past the amphitheater and fire ring, and across the creek to the trail head. It was a lovely day and the campground was packed with people.

Gulpha Gorge Campground - Hot Springs, AR

Fire Ring at Gulpha Gorge - Hot Springs, AR

Crossing the Creek to Gulpha Gorge Trail Head - Hot Springs, AR

 While crossing the creek to get to the trail head, you get a gorgeous view of the arched bridge to the right. I didn't even notice the graffiti until I looked at the picture later. 

View Under the Bridge at Gulpha Gorge - Hot Springs, AR

We hiked in the afternoon and the sun shining through the trees was absolutely beautiful. The path becomes quite steep in some places, but the first stretch is pretty level and easy to walk.

Gulpha Gorge Trail - Hot Springs, AR

Just a few feet ahead lies a small side-trail that leads to the creek and some really nice views of the water.

Side Trail to Creek at Gulpha Gorge - Hot Springs, AR

Creek View From Gulpha Gorge Trail - Hot Springs, AR

 As you begin to move up the mountain, you're surrounded by large rock walls and cliffs on one side and steep, forested hills lead to the water on the other side of the trail.

View of Cliffs on Gulpha Gorge Trail - Hot Springs, AR

Another View of Cliffs on Gulpha Gorge Trail - Hot Springs, AR

 A little farther up the trail, there's a stone staircase that winds around the cliffs and some large boulders. We met a group of campers here carrying wood, and we had to scramble against the rocks to keep out of their way.

Stone Stairs on Gulpha Gorge Trail - Hot Springs, AR

Andrew on Stone Stairs on Gulpha Gorge Trail - Hot Springs, AR

Cindy on Rocks on Gulpha Gorge Trail - Hot Springs, AR

We came to a split in the trail, but the trail markers were missing. We weren't sure which way to go, so we took the path of least resistance. The other path was a steep hill that led even farther up the mountain, which we later learned was the continuance of Gulpha Gorge Trail. The path we took was Dead Chief Trail.

Andrew at the Crossroads of Gulpha Gorge Tail and Dead Chief Trail - Hot Springs, AR

We were soon high atop the mountain and we could see the parking lot far below us.  The views were quite beautiful and I imagine they'll be even more spectacular later in spring.

View From Dead Chief Trail - Hot Springs, AR

Another View From Dead Chief Trail - Hot Springs, AR

Green Trees Contrasting With Their Stark Surroundings on Dead Chief Trail - Hot Springs, AR

We didn't know we took the wrong path until we reached this trail marker. The Grand Avenue Trail split to the left and Reserve Trail was straight ahead. We decided to continue forward, but we didn't follow Dead Chief Trail to the end. We turned around about half way, but we'll be back with a  map in a few weeks. Hopefully, we'll make it to Goat Rock and the Mountain Overlook next time. 

Dead Chief Trail and Gulpha Gorge Trail Intersection - Hot Springs, AR

If you're interested in hiking the trails in the West Mountain area of Hot Springs, Arkansas, you can find more information including a map of this trail system by visiting the Hiking Trails area of the Hot Springs Website.