Sunset Trail: A Remote Hiking Experience

The Sunset Trail is the longest and most challenging trail in Hot Springs National Park. Circling around the town and following a ridge that bounds the park to the northwest, the trail offers dynamic views and a diverse range of terrains. This makes it a unique and immersive experience for those seeking to escape the urban environment and delve into nature. The trail is divided into three main sections: West Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Stonebridge Road. Each section presents its own distinct characteristics and points of interest. The West Mountain section, stretching 2.8 miles, features the highest point in the park, Music Mountain, offering views of the southern portion of Hot Springs National Park and Lake Hamilton. The Sugarloaf Mountain section spans 2.6 miles, traversing the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain and offering a visit to Balanced Rock, a scenic vista. The Stonebridge Road section covers 3.8 miles, passing through land that was once part of the Fordyce family estate and alongside Ricks Pond, an ideal spot for aquatic wildlife viewing. For those looking to complete the entire loop, the Sunset Trail can be combined with other trails like Hot Springs Mountain trails, North Mountain trails, and West Mountain trails, creating a strenuous 15-17 mile hike. However, hikers should remain vigilant and stay on the maintained Sunset Trail, following the orange blazes to avoid straying onto private property.