Gulpha Gorge Trail

All posts tagged Gulpha Gorge Trail

A stream flows through us from the Universe, each…

Posted by Lee Hiller on October 12, 2017
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Gulpha Gorge Creek

A stream flows through us from the Universe, each ripple we create touches all. ~ Lee Hiller

Love to ALL!
Lee

HSNP Gulpha Gorge Creek

Hit The Trails in Hot Springs National Park All Year Round

Posted by Lee Hiller on July 15, 2011
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Clearing Fog

HSNP West Mountain Canyon Trail Fog Autumn 2010

HSNP West Mountain Trail Autumn 2010

Hot Springs National Park Trails Goat RockTrail

Hot Springs National Park Trails Goat Rock Trail

West Mountain Sunset Trail Snow

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

Happy Hiking!
Lee

HSNP Hot Springs and North Mt. Trail Map

HSNP West Mt. Trail Map

HSNP Sunset Trail Section 1

HSNP Sunset Trail Section 2

HSNP Sunset Trail Section 3

A Hike to North Mountain After The Storms

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 28, 2011
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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This morning I had a guest along with me on my hike, my beloved husband Rick.  I would like to say seeing my husband in the early morning hours is in and of itself  a rare sighting.  As he has only recently begun hiking again I felt it was brave of him to head out with me on my morning hike as I am not use to having company.  Rick would say his greatest achievement today was completing the hike, I would say it was putting up with me and my cameras 🙂

We spent the morning hiking around the trails of North Mountain and saw new wildflowers, our first Fox Squirrel in the park and played hide-n-seek with a Blue Jay.  I hope you will enjoy my photographs of North Mountain in Hot Springs National Park.

Love yourself, get out and play in Nature!
Much Love to ALL!
Lee

PS: Please pray for the people of Tuscaloosa their city and lives have been devastated by a large Tornado… Pray for those who have perished in the South this past week during the devastating outbreak of Storms, Floods and Tornadoes. Counting our Blessing! Lee & Rick London

Beautiful Autumn Forests of Hot Springs National Park 2010

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 25, 2011
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Spring 2011 is producing a series of spring storms that have made it dangerous to enter the park and hike.  Currently we have a warning for Tornadoes, Thunder Storms and Flooding that is set to last another 36 hours.  The last time this past week it was safe to hike was Earth Day as it was only Raining with wind and Fog.  The lush greenery beckons me but with each boom of Thunder and flash of Lightning I am content to stay in and watch the show from the safety of my window.  We are listening for the sirens

Until these storms pass I hope you will enjoy a second look at Autumn of 2010 in Hot Springs National Park…

Much Love,

Lee

PS Please visit http://Photos4Japan.org

A Spring Beauty in the Gloom of Autumn Gray

Posted by Lee Hiller on December 11, 2010
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Field Notes:
This morning was gray and gloomy, the worst possible light for photography… but perfect for a hike.  Okay, yes I think everyday is the perfect day for a hike.  It was a good day to work with my new camera equipment weather protection by LensCoat, think neoprene wet suit for your cameras and lenses.  I realize I will need to make a few minor modifications to the camera covers so I can shoot with the speed I prefer.  I am making all my winter preparations, even got a new pair of Kako Snow/ice traction devices for my boots.

When I reach the Dead Chief Trail I decide to go around the base Hot Springs Mountain.  The gray gloom makes photographing the tiny shadowy birds impossible.  I am blessed to hear the beautiful songs echoing through the Forest as I hike. Nearly all the leaves have fallen and it feels as if winter has came early to the park.  Ahead and to my right I see what I believe to be a bright candy wrapper.  When I reach the violet object I am amazed to see it is in fact a wildflower, a spring wildflower.  In the gloom of a dark Autumn Morning an unexpected gem glows along the trail side. Spring has arrived within the late Autumn Forest. Small and delicate Bird-Foot Violets are blooming. Tiny ghosts of seasons past. Petals spread like wings as if to take flight from the Forest floor.  I had always thought the one I spotted on the Goat Rock Trail February 06 2009 just before the snow and ice winter storms was early.  Nature always presents me with the most glorious bouquets.

On the Upper Dogwood I meet two wonderful Nature Lovers, Pamela and Al.  They are a lovely couple who live a green lifestyle caring for our delicate planet earth.  I am thankful they took the time to stop and speak with me today in the park.

Get out in Nature you never know what surprises are waiting for you :o)
Love,
Lee