TrailWhittington Trail
Flat gravel loop for joggers and walkers. Recovery pace, zero technical demands.

A brief connector between the Arlington Hotel lobby and Lower Dogwood Trail, this 0.1-mile walk spans 5-10 minutes with just 13 feet of elevation gain. The packed dirt surface with concrete steps makes it accessible for most visitors. Open daily 5:00 am to 10:00 pm year-round with no fees or permits required. Best suited as a quick warm-up or leg-stretcher before tackling longer trails.
Easy
Serves as a quick connector to Lower Dogwood Trail. Ideal warm-up walk for visitors in the Bathhouse Row and Arlington Hotel area.
• Ask Arlington Hotel staff to confirm the exact trailhead location upon arrival • This is a connector trail; consider extending to Lower Dogwood Trail for more mileage • Visit early (5:00 am opening) for solitude and cool morning temperatures • Bring water even for brief walks—hydration is non-negotiable • Watch your footing on concrete steps and packed dirt surface
Year-round. Trail open all seasons.
Excellent for families and elderly visitors due to minimal distance (0.1 miles), minimal elevation gain (13 feet), and short duration (5-10 minutes). Concrete steps at the start may present a minor challenge for visitors with mobility limitations.
Hikers value this trail as a convenient quick leg-stretcher and connector to longer trails. Best suited as a warm-up walk rather than a destination hike in its own right.
None required
Not applicable
Concrete steps at trailhead and packed dirt surface throughout. Not ADA compliant.
Not ADA compliant. Packed dirt surface with concrete steps at the trailhead.
Excellent for families and elderly visitors due to minimal distance (0.1 miles), minimal elevation gain (13 feet), and short duration (5-10 minutes). Concrete steps at the start may present a minor challenge for visitors with mobility limitations.
Arlington Hotel is at the trailhead area. Bathhouse Row and surrounding area have visitor services. Ask hotel staff for specific facility locations.
Hikers value this trail as a convenient quick leg-stretcher and connector to longer trails. Best suited as a warm-up walk rather than a destination hike in its own right.
" Hikers value this trail as a convenient quick leg-stretcher and connector to longer trails. Best suited as a warm-up walk rather than a destination hike in its own right."
Yes, easily. At 0.1 miles with just 13 feet of gain and 5-10 minutes of walking, it's designed for all ages and fitness levels. Watch footing on the concrete steps at the start.
Yes, absolutely. It's in the developed Bathhouse Row area near Arlington Hotel with staff nearby. No wildlife hazards, exposure, or navigation concerns. Well-traveled connector path.
No special requirements. Wear sturdy shoes for the concrete steps and bring a water bottle. No permits, fitness level, or navigation skills required.
The NPS estimates 5-10 minutes. Most hikers complete it in under 5 minutes. It's a quick leg-stretcher, not a hike.
No water sources or restrooms on the trail itself. Arlington Hotel at the trailhead can provide both. Bring a water bottle.
Early morning (5:00 am opening) offers quiet and cool temperatures. The trail opens daily at 5:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm. Any season works year-round.
6 listings
4 listings
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