Trail
Grand Avenue Trail
Grand Avenue Trail is a 0.2-mile packed gravel connector linking the Oertel Trail with Grand Avenue in downtown Hot Springs. This is a walk-in-the-park—50 feet of elevation gain over 10 to 20 minutes—suitable for all fitness levels and ages. You'll navigate the thermal district with convenient access to Bathhouse Row and spring features. Use it as a warm-up leg, cooldown, or link to longer loops; solo it's a quick pit stop, not a full hike.
Quick facts
- Distance Miles
- 0.2
- Route Type
- Connector (can be looped with Oertel Trail or hiked out-and-back)
- Difficulty Level
- Walk in the park
- Elevation Gain Feet
- 50
Trail profile
- Distance Miles
- 0.2
- Route Type
- Connector (can be looped with Oertel Trail or hiked out-and-back)
- Difficulty Level
- Walk in the park
- Elevation Gain Feet
- 50
- Estimated Time
- 10–20 minutes at a casual pace
- Trail Surface
- Packed gravel
- Trail Features
- Downtown thermal district
- Trail connector
- Bathhouse Row access
- Trail Highlights
- Quick access to the thermal district and a seamless link between longer Hot Springs trail systems.
Trailhead & access
- Trailhead Location
- Behind the Red Roof Inn on Grand Avenue; or access from Oertel Trail
- Shuttle Required
- 0
- Shuttle Details
- Not required
Permits & conditions
- Permit Details
- None required
- Fees
- No entrance fee
- Trail Status
- Open
- Seasonal Closures
- None—trail is open year-round
Facilities & rules
- Restrooms At Trailhead
- 0
- Water Sources
- Dry trail—carry all water from the trailhead
- Accessibility
- Nearly flat packed gravel, not ADA compliant. Loose surface, uneven—not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Safety & strategy
- Hazards
- Loose gravel
- Slippery when wet
- Hazard Details
- Packed gravel is loose underfoot and becomes slippery after rain. Not ADA compliant—surface is uneven. Stay alert.
- Cell Service
- Expected—downtown location, typical cell coverage
- Crowd Level
- Steady foot traffic—popular as a quick warm-up, not a solitude-seeking route
- Peak Crowd Times
- Weekend afternoons; weekday mornings are quieter
- Best Season
- Year-round
- Best Time To Visit
- Year-round, 5 am to 10 pm. Early morning or dusk avoids midday heat. Spring and fall are most comfortable, but the short distance makes it viable anytime.
- Tips Advice
- Lace your boots tight—gravel is loose underfoot.
- Carry 12oz water minimum; hydration is non-negotiable.
- Test your footing after rain—wet gravel is slippery.
- Hike early (5 am) for solitude; trails close at 10 pm.
- Use this as a connector to Oertel Trail, not a solo destination.
More details
- Park Area
- Downtown Hot Springs / Bathhouse Row District
- Trail Markers
- Well-marked—short trail with obvious endpoints
- Dogs Allowed
- Yes, on a leash
- Shade Level
- Varies—sun exposure in morning and midday; afternoon shade from nearby structures
- Emergency Contacts
- Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center (nearest ranger) or 911
- Map Recommended
- 0
- Snow Dates
- Rarely affected; light snow Dec–Feb clears quickly
- Mud Season
- After heavy rain, gravel may be soft; dries quickly
- Insider Tips
- Use as a warm-up or cooldown leg of a longer Hot Springs loop.
- Connect to Oertel Trail for extended mileage without backtracking.
- The Red Roof Inn trailhead is less obvious than the Grand Ave entrance—both work.
- Avoid treating this as a solo destination; it's a link trail.
- Family Friendly Notes
- Excellent for families and young children. Easy distance and minimal elevation. Packed gravel surface is manageable but uneven—toddlers will need hand support.
- Nearby Facilities
- Red Roof Inn (south of trailhead); Bathhouse Row and visitor centers nearby on downtown loop
- Review Summary
- Hikers praise this connector for convenience and ease. It's a 10-minute warm-up with zero challenge, ideal for families or recovery days. Packed gravel handles well in dry conditions but becomes slippery after rain.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this trail?
Absolutely. 0.2 miles, 50ft gain, 10–20 minutes. If you can walk around the block, you can do this trail.
Is it safe to hike alone?
Yes. Downtown Hot Springs, regular foot traffic, open 5 am–10 pm. Stay alert to loose gravel underfoot.
Do I need special gear?
No. Sturdy shoes (gravel rolls easily) and 12oz water. Nothing else.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
No. Packed gravel, not ADA compliant, rough surface throughout.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on leash. Clean up after your pet.
Is it worth a solo hike?
Better as a connector or warm-up link. Solo it's a 15-minute pit stop, not a full hike.
What if it rains?
Packed gravel becomes slippery. Either wait for it to dry or bring trekking poles for balance.
More at Hot Springs National Park
Whittington Trail
Flat gravel loop for joggers and walkers. Recovery pace, zero technical demands.
Tufa Terrace Trail
Paved geothermal trail through tufa formations. Watch for stairs. 30-minute thermal education, easy mode.
An Overview: Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails
Paved entry point to mountain grit. Easy promenade or strenuous ridge climbs—your call, your fitness.
An Overview: West Mountain Trails
Quiet trails, big elevation. Whittington for strollers, Mountain Top for grit. Wildlife. No crowds.
Arlington Trail
Quick connector trail. 0.1 miles, 13 feet gain, 5-10 minutes. Perfect warm-up or leg stretch between park areas.
Canyon Trail
Steep downtown grunt to West Mountain. 0.7mi, 307ft gain—relentless grade, no shade.
Recommended gear for Hot Springs National Park
Sources
- National Park Service
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.