The rains of summer fell upon the Forest like waves crashing against the shore. Storms lined up one after another pummeling the earth. Weeks passed into months until one day the rain ceased its barrage. Sunlight revealed the late summer Forest had been transformed to the lush green of early May. Spring it seemed did not know it was late August in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.
Speak to the Trees, touch their unique surfaces and listen to the ancient song. Close your eyes and hear each breath then slowly open to see with all your senses. Look into the depth of the Forest with your Soul to see what Nature will reveal. Beautiful beings unseen become visible.
Hot Springs National Park Upper Dogwood Trail Earth Day
Music Mountain Sunset Trail Autumn Leaves
Many tourists to Hot Springs National Park never leave the Historic bath House Row. Why? The bath houses are the parks revenue source and the longer you stay there the more money they make. Unfortunately this means many visitors never see the beautiful trails that weave across the six mountains found in the park. See the five trail maps below.
The main mountain visible from the city below is Hot Springs Mountain with its iconic tower for spectacular views. A quick hike up along the Peak Trail and you can reach the tower in approximately 20 minutes depending on fitness level. After you have enjoyed the Hot Springs Tower view hike down to the Pagoda looking out over the valley. Then take the 1.7 mile Hot Springs Mountain Trail Loop below and then reconnect with the Peak Trail to head down the Mountain.
From the National Park campground hike up the Gulpha Gorge Trail and connect with the Goat Rock Trail on North Mountain. Once you reach the North Mountain Overlook you can head down the North Mountain Road to reconnect with the Gulpha Gorge Trail or hike further on the Upper Dogwood Trail. From the campground you can also take the Sunset Trail over to Ricks Pond and continue on the first section of the Sunset Trail Loop.
West Mountain can be accessed from Central Ave on the driveway next to the Mountain Valley Water Company. The Canyon Trail takes you to the junction of the Oak Trail which connects you to the West Mountain Trail and the West Mountain Top Loop. From there you can take in the views, continue around the mountain or head out along the Sunset Trail.
As you can see in my many past blog entries the trails have abundant wildlife and ever changing foliage including spectacular wildflowers. I am always happy to direct my readers to photography, wildlife viewing and wildflower locations (although you must remember the wildlife does migrate freely throughout the park). I read and reply to comments so please make contact anytime. You can see more videos at my you tube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/LeeHiller?feature=mhee
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Tufted Titmouse
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
As I step out the door this morning the skies are gray and the clouds not only block the sun but obscure the view of the Tower. I am hopeful the Sun will prevail, but carry my rain hat just in case I am incorrect. As I reach the top of the Tufa Terrace ramp a lovely female Cardinal briefly lands in the Tree above me. She is carrying a beak full of pine needles for rebuilding her nest perhaps.
When I reach the Peak Trail a Juvenile Cardinal is singing to the new day as the sun is highlighted by parting clouds. In the sunlight I notice a beautiful sandstone rock with beautiful veins of quartz. I Love how new things are revealed everyday in the park.
From the Carriage Road I hike up the Dead Chief and Short Cut Trails to reach the top of Hot Springs Mountain. I cross the picnic area as a family begins grilling an outdoor breakfast. Some food just smells better when its being cooked over hot coals. I feel a pang of hunger as I begin hiking on the Hot Springs Mountain Trail. I can hear a flock of small birds traveling high above me through the Trees. I love these sweet mixed flocks of birds I often encounter in the park. This one is comprised of Black-Capped Chickadees, Juvenile Orange-Crowned Warblers, Juvenile Tufted Titmouse and Great Crested Flycatchers. My favorite moment was looking up to see a Juvenile Titmouse hanging upside down staring at me.
From the Hot Springs Mountain Trail I hike up the North Mountain Loop to connect with the Upper Dogwood Trail. On the trail I can see debris from the storm last night. When I reach the Lower Dogwood the erosion on the Lower Dogwood Trail makes the hike a bit slower as I navigate the newly exposed jagged rock surfaces. On the Floral trail the skies begin to darken, a tiny delicate orange moth zooms past and grips a pine needle that is under a leaf. The perfect umbrella as short rain shower passes over the Trail.
Delight is all Nature shows you.
Love,
Lee
Upper Dogwood Trail Colorful Leaves
Floral Trail Delaware Skipper Sheltering Under Leaf
Floral Trail Delaware Skipper Sheltering Under Leaf
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Hot Springs Mountain Trail
Hot Springs Mountain Trail
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Black-Capped Chickadee
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Colorful Leaf
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Great Crested Flycatcher
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Great Crested Flycatcher
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Orange-Crowned Warbler
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Orange-Crowned Warbler
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Tufted Titmouse
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Tufted Titmouse
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Tufted Titmouse
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Woodland Sunflower
Lower Dogwood Trail Stenciled Leaves
North Mountain Overlook
Tufa Terrace Female Cardinal Gathering Pine Needles
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