Upper Dogwood Trail

Upper Dogwood Trail is a straightforward 1-mile out-and-back on compacted dirt with short elevation rises and long flat stretches—classic beginner terrain. This 25-45 minute walk serves as a family-friendly warm-up or training hike, but don't underestimate the uneven footing, which demands careful foot placement on descent. The elevation gain (250 feet) is evenly distributed, making it forgiving. Extend your outing by connecting to the Lower Dogwood or Goat Rock trails for a longer adventure.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 251

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 251
Estimated Time: 25-45 minutes if you maintain steady pace; 1 hour if you stop for photos or connecting with other trails.
Trail Surface: Compacted dirt, uneven in certain locations.
Trail Features: Mountain trail terrain
Forest sections with mixed cover
Short elevation rises
Connection point to trail network
Trail Highlights: Easy warm-up hike with the option to extend via direct connections to Lower Dogwood Trail or Goat Rock Trail for a longer, more challenging adventure.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Accessed from just below the North Mountain overlook or along the Hot Springs Mountain Trail.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not applicable—parking available at trailhead.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required.
Fees: No entrance fees for Hot Springs National Park. No day-use fee.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: None—trail operates 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, year-round.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Dry trail—carry water from park facilities. No water sources along the route.
Accessibility: Compacted dirt and uneven in certain locations. Not ADA compliant.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Uneven terrain on compacted dirt
Ankle-twist risk on descent
Mixed sun exposure
Hazard Details: The trail is compacted dirt and uneven in certain locations, creating ankle-twist hazards especially on descent. While the elevation gain is gentle, the uneven footing demands full foot awareness. Short rises don't look threatening but expose you to missteps. Descents are where hikers slip—stay alert.
Best Season: Year-round. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures; winter and summer are viable but less ideal.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning (start by 6am to beat heat and crowds) or late afternoon. Spring and fall offer the most tactical conditions—stable temperatures, lower UV exposure. Avoid midday summer sun; even a 1-mile hike becomes a dehydration trap.
Tips Advice: Tighten your boots before starting—uneven dirt shifts your feet inside loose shoes, especially on descent.
Bring 1L water minimum; short trail ≠ dehydration proof.
Wear a hat—mixed sun and shade exposure adds up quickly.
Watch your footing on descent; uneven terrain is the primary hazard.
Keep dogs on tight leash; uneven footing is a sprain risk for them too.

More details

Park Area: Hot Springs Mountain Area
Dogs Allowed: Yes, must be leashed. Clean up after your pet—park enforces regulations.
Biking Allowed: No—hiking only.
Shade Level: Mixed sun and shade depending on forest coverage.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: None—trail is open year-round, 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Insider Tips: The flat sections mask uneven footing—this trail catches people off-guard on descent. Tighten your boots and re-lace at 0.5 miles if your foot shifts inside your shoe.
Combine with Lower Dogwood Trail (direct connection) or Goat Rock Trail. Solo, this hike is a 45-minute warm-up, not a destination.
Early morning (before 7am) keeps you solo. Post-9am weekends bring foot traffic.
Bring at least 1L water—no water sources on trail. Even 'short' hikes dehydrate fast.
Access via North Mountain overlook for bonus views before or after your walk.
Recent Updates: No recent closures or major trail work reported.
Family Friendly Notes: Good for young children on flat sections. Warning: uneven terrain is a tripping and ankle-twisting hazard—younger kids need hand support. Older kids (8+) handle it with attention. Restroom breaks available at main park facilities. Dogs welcome on leash, but watch their footing on uneven sections.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor facilities and bathhouses available in the main Hot Springs area (Arlington Lawn, Bathhouse Row).
Review Summary: This is a beginner-friendly 1-mile trail with minimal challenge—perfect for warming up or hiking with kids. Hikers appreciate its short duration and direct connection to neighboring trails for a longer experience. The uneven compacted dirt terrain requires foot awareness on descent, but the route is straightforward and well-established.