Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail | Hot Springs

The Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail is one of Hot Springs’ most scenic urban pathways, blending nature, recreation, and history into a continuous corridor that follows the gentle flow of Hot Springs Creek through the heart of the city. It’s part of a long-term effort to reconnect residents and visitors with the area’s natural landscape while offering a safe and beautiful route for walking, cycling, and jogging.

Setting and Route

The trail stretches roughly 3.5 miles (with ongoing extensions) from Transportation Depot downtown to Lake Hamilton, threading through parks, neighborhoods, and wooded stretches along the creek. Much of the path runs parallel to Central Avenue yet feels worlds apart-lined with trees, small bridges, and glimpses of flowing water that soften the urban setting. The paved surface makes it accessible for all ages and abilities, whether for a casual stroll or a morning run.

Scenic Highlights

The route passes through several key green spaces, including Hot Springs Creek Greenway Park, which features open lawns and shaded rest areas, and sections where murals and art installations add bursts of color along the walls. In spring, redbuds and dogwoods bloom along the creek, while summer brings lush greenery and the scent of wet stone after rainfall. You can spot small wildlife-turtles sunning on rocks, herons wading in shallow pools, and the occasional fox darting into the brush.

Local Life and Recreation

The Greenway Trail is as much a social artery as it is a recreational one. Locals use it daily for commuting, exercise, and family outings. Cyclists glide past joggers, parents push strollers, and older couples walk hand in hand in the evenings when the temperature cools. On weekends, the trail often hums with a relaxed rhythm-especially near the downtown end, where people pause to grab coffee or browse local shops before returning to the path.

Design and Accessibility

Benches, lighting, and signage are thoughtfully placed along the trail, and several access points connect it to neighborhoods and parks. The gentle gradient makes it ideal for all fitness levels, and its proximity to hotels and restaurants downtown makes it easy for visitors to enjoy without special gear. Plans to extend the trail further toward Lake Hamilton aim to make it one of the most scenic continuous pathways in Arkansas.

Atmosphere and Experience

There’s a unique harmony along the trail: the sound of running water, the distant hum of downtown traffic, and the occasional laughter from passing families. Early morning hours bring cool mist rising from the creek, while at dusk, the low sun filters through trees, turning the path golden.

Closing Impression

The Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail is more than just a walking path-it’s a living thread that ties the city together, balancing nature and community in a way that feels effortless. Whether you’re a visitor exploring on foot or a local savoring the daily rhythm of Hot Springs, the trail offers a peaceful retreat that flows as naturally as the creek beside it.