Sunset Trail: A Journey Through Hot Springs National Park

The Sunset Trail in Hot Springs National Park is a 10-mile (one way) path that showcases the park's diverse landscapes and more secluded areas. Established as part of the park's trail system, which evolved from early walking paths, the Sunset Trail provides a dynamic hiking experience for those looking to escape the urban environment. Crossing various terrains, the trail is often divided into three sections: West Mountain (2.8 miles), Sugarloaf Mountain (2.6 miles), and Stonebridge Road (3.8 miles). Each section presents unique features, from the panoramic views on West Mountain, where Music Mountain, the park's highest point, is located, to the scenic vistas around Balanced Rock on Sugarloaf Mountain. The Stonebridge Road section passes through land once part of the Fordyce family estate and includes Ricks Pond, a haven for wildlife. For a more extended adventure, the Sunset Trail can be combined with the Hot Springs Mountain trails, North Mountain trails, and West Mountain trails to complete a strenuous 15-17 mile loop. However, hikers should pay attention to signage and follow the orange blazes to avoid straying onto private property. The trail's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of Hot Springs National Park, initially a reservation established in 1832 to protect the area's thermal springs. These springs were revered by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw, Caddo, and Choctaw, who believed in their healing properties. Later, the area attracted American settlers drawn to the therapeutic waters, leading to the development of bathhouses and the town of Hot Springs.