Pullman Trail

Three trail head signs line the front of a trailhead that leads into the forest.

Short gravel-and-rock trail packed with boot traffic and mountain bike volume year-round. You'll pass an archeological site and connect to the city's Northwoods Trails, making it flexible for a quick morning hit or a link in a longer loop. The exposure is real—pack water and sunscreen. Moderate grade, 25-45 minutes.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.8
Route Type: Out-and-back one-way, or connect to city loop trails
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 133

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.8
Route Type: Out-and-back one-way, or connect to city loop trails
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 133
Estimated Time: 25-45 minutes
Trail Surface: Packed gravel and rocky ground
Trail Features: Archeological site
Packed gravel terrain
Mountain bike traffic
Northwoods Trails connection
Mixed-use trail
Trail Highlights: Passes an archeological site of historical significance. Only bicycle-allowed trail in Hot Springs National Park. Connects to the city's Northwoods Trails for extended loop options.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Trail head near Northwoods Trails connector, north area
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permit required
Fees: Free - no entrance fee
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: None - open year-round

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: None on trail - carry all water
Accessibility: Not ADA compliant. Packed gravel and rocky surface with uneven terrain throughout.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Rocky and loose gravel terrain
Frequent mountain bike traffic
Full sun exposure
Loose gravel on descents
Hazard Details: Packed gravel and rocky surface is slippery; loose gravel on downhill requires deliberate footing. Mountain bike traffic is frequent—stay alert and move predictably. Unshaded and fully exposed to Arkansas sun; dehydration is the real threat here.
Best Season: Spring and fall for cooler weather; trail open all seasons
Best Time To Visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) dodge Arkansas heat. Trail operates 5am-10pm daily, year-round. Early morning (before 8am) beats midday sun and peak bike traffic.
Tips Advice: Carry 2L water minimum—full sun on gravel with no shade sources.
Tighten your boots; loose gravel shifts on descent.
Stay predictable around frequent mountain bikes; make noise.
Go dawn or early morning to avoid midday heat and peak cyclist traffic.
Keep dogs leashed firmly; this is shared-use terrain.

More details

Park Area: North area - connects to city Northwoods Trails
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash. Must clean up after your pet.
Biking Allowed: Yes - only trail in Hot Springs National Park that permits bicycles
Emergency Contacts: Call 911. Park Headquarters: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: Rare in Arkansas - typically none
Insider Tips: The only park trail allowing bicycles—expect frequent mountain bike traffic, especially dawn and dusk.
Trail connects to Northwoods Trails; you can extend into the city's trail network.
Trail passes an archeological site en route.
Family Friendly Notes: Short distance (0.8mi, 25-45min) and moderate difficulty suit most families. Rocky, loose-gravel surface requires attention and supervision of younger children. Helmet recommended for all due to frequent mountain bike traffic.
Review Summary: Short distance and bike-friendly designation make this accessible to most fitness levels. Hikers note the gravel surface requires footing discipline, especially on descent, and bike traffic demands situational awareness. The moderate grade and quick exit options make it achievable for anyone with basic hiking fitness.