Arlington Trail

A lush, green lawn lays before a tall, wide, tan hotel building.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.1
Route Type: One-way connector
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 13

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.1
Route Type: One-way connector
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 13
Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
Trail Surface: Packed dirt with concrete steps
Trail Features: Connector to Lower Dogwood Trail
Packed dirt surface
Concrete steps
Trail Highlights: Serves as a quick connector to Lower Dogwood Trail. Ideal warm-up walk for visitors in the Bathhouse Row and Arlington Hotel area.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Arlington Hotel lobby. Coordinates: 34.5175°N, 93.0527°W. Ask hotel staff for exact trailhead directions.
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required
Fees: No entrance fee
Trail Status: Typically open
Seasonal Closures: Rarely closed. Open daily year-round from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No water sources on trail. Arlington Hotel at trailhead can provide water.
Accessibility: Not ADA compliant. Packed dirt surface with concrete steps at the trailhead.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Concrete steps at trailhead
Packed dirt surface
Hazard Details: Concrete steps at trailhead and packed dirt surface throughout. Not ADA compliant.
Best Season: Year-round. Trail open all seasons.
Best Time To Visit: Arrive at 5:00 am when the park opens for the quietest walk and coolest temperatures. The trail is open daily through 10:00 pm. Any season works; early mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and midday heat.
Tips Advice: Ask Arlington Hotel lobby staff for precise trailhead directions
Wear sturdy shoes for the concrete steps
Bring water even for brief walks
Consider continuing to Lower Dogwood Trail for a longer hike
Open daily 5:00 am to 10:00 pm

More details

Park Area: Bathhouse Row and Arlington Hotel area
Dogs Allowed: Yes. Pets must be leashed. Please clean up after your pet.
Map Recommended: 0
Insider Tips: 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
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Nearby Facilities: Arlington Hotel is at the trailhead area. Bathhouse Row and surrounding area have visitor services. Ask hotel staff for specific facility locations.
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can young children and elderly visitors do this trail?

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.

Is this trail safe to hike alone?

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.

Do I need special gear or training?

No special requirements. Wear sturdy shoes for the concrete steps and bring a water bottle. No permits, fitness level, or navigation skills required.

How long does this actually take?

The NPS estimates 5-10 minutes. Most hikers complete it in under 5 minutes. It's a quick leg-stretcher, not a hike.

Is there water or a restroom on the trail?

No water sources or restrooms on the trail itself. Arlington Hotel at the trailhead can provide both. Bring a water bottle.

When is the best time to visit?

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.