Boulder City Golf Club | Boulder City

The Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail is a paved multi-use path located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The trail follows the course of Hot Springs Creek, a natural waterway. The path is constructed of asphalt, approximately 3 meters wide. It is bordered by mature deciduous trees, primarily oak and hickory, providing canopy cover. The creek itself exhibits clear water with a gravel and stone bed. Occasional exposed rock formations are visible along the creek banks.

Location & Access Logistics

The trail begins at the intersection of Convention Boulevard and Spring Street in downtown Hot Springs. It extends approximately 4.8 kilometers westward. Parking is available at designated lots near the trailhead on Convention Boulevard and at the intersection of Malvern Avenue and Spring Street. Public transport options include the Hot Springs Transit System, with bus route 3 serving stops near the Convention Boulevard trailhead.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail was developed as part of a municipal project to revitalize urban waterways and provide recreational access. The creek is a natural drainage feature within the Ouachita Mountains foothills, characterized by karst topography which influences its water flow and mineral content. The area's ecology is representative of the mixed mesophytic forest biome.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walking, jogging, and cycling are the primary activities. Birdwatching is possible due to the riparian habitat. Observation points are situated at intervals along the trail for creek viewing. The trail connects to the larger Hot Springs National Park trail system at its western terminus.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located at the Convention Boulevard trailhead. Benches are provided at 500-meter intervals. Shade is provided by the tree canopy. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally consistent along the trail. No food vendors are directly located on the trail; however, numerous dining establishments are accessible within a 1-kilometer radius of the downtown trailhead.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) offers favorable lighting conditions with fewer shadows. The months of April through October provide the most comfortable weather for outdoor activity. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

Historically, Hot Springs Creek was a significant factor in the development of Hot Springs as a spa town, with its mineral-rich waters believed to have therapeutic properties. A local anecdote suggests that early settlers would follow the creek upstream to find the hottest springs, a practice that contributed to the town's initial layout.

Nearby Landmarks

• Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center (0.3km West)
• The Gangster Museum of America (0.6km Northeast)
• Buckstaff Bathhouse (0.7km Northeast)
• Garvan Woodland Gardens (4.5km Southwest)
• Mid-America Science Museum (4.8km West)