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A scenic extension of the Sunset Trail, passing a beaver pond and the Gulpha Gorge campground.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.3

KM

87%

Runnable

830' 253 m

High

531' 162 m

Low

503' 153 m

Up

210' 64 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek

Runner Notes

Scenic and pretty, the only major obstacles for runners will be the road crossing.

Description

The southern portion of the Sunset Trail is a beautiful way to explore this end of the park. Parking access for this segment is available at the Gulpa Gorge Campground, and the trail begins to the north.

In the first portion of the trail, visitors will almost immediately begin a climb. While not terribly steep, the grade is consistent and strenuous. After about a half a mile, the trail will level out, and the journey will get a bit easier. Visitors will be traveling along the Old Gorge Road, which sits above the road currently in use. From here, the trail will descend to Hwy 7. Carefully cross the road, and pick up the trail on the other side.

On the northwest side of the road, the trail resume, and passes the interesting stone remnants of an old generator mill. While the ruins are fun to look at, please do not climb on them. The trail will then move close to Stonebridge Rd., which it will parallel until Ricks Pond. The pond is one of the most scenic stops along the way and is a great place to look for waterfowl, frogs or beavers.

Continuing on, the trail climbs away from the pond, headed mostly north. the route will be well shaded in this portion, and visitors will appreciate the cooler temperatures. This trail eventually ends at a junction with the longer Sunset Trail. From there, it is possible to take the Sunset Trail either east or west, or visitors can return to their cars the way that they came.

Flora & Fauna

Near the pond, beaver, heron, warblers, frogs and other aquatic animals can be seen.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Hot Springs

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#11678

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#168

in Arkansas

#11,678

Overall
17 Views Last Month
2,754 Since Sep 3, 2015
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Photos

Stone remnants of an old generator mill at Rick's Pond
May 13, 2016 near Hot Spr…, AR
Ricks Pond Waterfall
Sep 5, 2015 near Hot Spr…, AR
Beginning of the trail  down by Gulpha Gorge campground.
Jul 6, 2021 near Hot Spr…, AR
Bottom of the Gulpa Gorge Trail
Jul 5, 2021 near Hot Spr…, AR
Start of trail by the Gulpha Gorge camping ground.
Jul 6, 2021 near Hot Spr…, AR
Pretty going down the trail.
Jul 5, 2021 near Hot Spr…, AR

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 53 days ago
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