Hiking and BBQ in Hot Springs, AR
Hey there, fellow adventurers!
Our latest stop on this RV journey took us to the beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas. Let me tell you, this place is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Here's a rundown of our experience in this charming town.
Treasure Isle RV Park
This park is situated on Lake Hamilton and has all the amenities you might want including 30/50 amp service, water, sewer, pool, etc. They also offer Pontoon rentals if you want to explore the lake. https://www.treasureislerv.com/
Hitting the Trails
One of the highlights of our stay was definitely the hiking. I set out from Gulpha Gorge Campground for what turned out to be an epic 5-mile trek with about 1000 feet of elevation change. Talk about a workout!
The trail system here is impressive. I managed to cover quite a few:
Peak Trail
Mountain Trail Loop
Goat Rock Trail
Oertel Trail
West Mountain Loop
Grand Promenade
Upper Dogwood Trail
Honeysuckle Trail
Each trail offered something unique, but the view of the creek was consistently beautiful throughout the hike. If you're planning a visit, I'd highly recommend setting aside a day to explore these trails. Just remember to bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes!
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
No visit to Hot Springs is complete without a trip to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Standing at 216 feet tall, this tower offers panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains and Diamond Lakes area. It's a great spot to get your bearings and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Fun fact: The current tower, built in 1983, is actually the third tower to stand on this spot. The first was built in 1877, making this a long-standing tradition in Hot Springs.
Pagoda Overlook
Another noteworthy spot is the Pagoda Overlook. This charming stone structure, built in the early 1900s, offers a picturesque view of the city. It's a popular spot for photographers, and I can see why - the vista is stunning, especially as the sun sets over the town.
BBQ Heaven at Smokin' in Style
Now, let's talk food. If you find yourself in Hot Springs, you absolutely must visit Smokin' in Style BBQ. The food here is outstanding - some of the best barbecue I've had on this trip so far.
Word of warning though: if you order the sampler platter, come hungry... very hungry. This thing is massive! It ended up feeding me for three separate meals. Talk about getting your money's worth! The flavors were spot-on, and the meat was perfectly smoked. Highly recommended for any BBQ enthusiast.
A Funny Moment with Smith and Wesson
On a lighter note, I had quite the chuckle watching Smith and Wesson react to the coyote statue down by the water. These two brave road warriors, who've faced long drives and new places without batting an eye, were absolutely spooked by this harmless piece of art. It just goes to show, you never know what's going to catch them off guard!
Wrapping Up
Hot Springs turned out to be a fantastic stop on our journey. From the challenging hikes and beautiful views to the mouthwatering BBQ and amusing dog antics, it had a little bit of everything.
For those of you planning an RV trip through Arkansas, I'd definitely recommend adding Hot Springs to your itinerary. The combination of natural beauty, interesting landmarks, and great food makes it a perfect spot for a few days of exploration and relaxation.
Until next time, happy trails and bon appétit!
Comments