Hot Springs Area Hiking: September, Revised*

Join in Exploring new parts of Hot Springs and nearby hiking trails! Historic old spa town as a base for camping or hotelling and joint hiking at the Hot Springs National Park and beyond!

We'll camp from Sunday through Friday morning and have a daily hike scheduled Monday through Thursday. Sunday most likely for set-up & exploring Hot Springs itself.

* this is a revision of an earlier event that had to be moved if it seems familiar. Work scheduling conflicts are a bummer!

The Arkansas stat parks limit each site to two tents, two cars on site ( or one RV, 1 tent). Overflow parking available. 8 people max per site, but since we're mainly individuals, that means 2 people in tents per site. If you have more people for your tent, just list as guests and let me know. I can alter the limits to accommodate. I'd be okay with a car camper taking a parking spot on the sly. I have two sites, so 4 people max per night using my sites. As of 8/31, there were more sites available If there's a wait-list, let's look at that option!

All the events are open and anyone who want to get their own sites or local accommodations welcome. As of re-posting (8/31), there are plenty of sites available. There is excess parking near sites or on day use section.

Each hike will be posted as it's own Meetup, too, so just sign up for those if you are staying locally. I have left plenty of open time for exploring Hot Springs and it's area or other activities. It's a resort town with things like a racing track and Botanical Garden if curious.

Feel free to join in or suggest any campground group activities and/or hang out as well!

Quick Overview:
Sunday: arrival, set-up, explore
Monday: hike south half of Sunset Loop
Tuesday: hike Lake Catharine trails
Wednesday: hike Lake Ouachita portion
Thursday: Northwoods Multi-use Southwest portion
Friday: break camp and drive home

I will have two sites at Ouachita State Park that each officially fit 2 cars, 2-tents, and 8 people per site if 4 guests sharing each tent. More sites are available depending on reservations site. There is excess parking and day use parking for those of you just hiking. See map in photos.

Carpooling a good idea; ask each other or comment for inquiries.

I periodically clean up comments to keep up to date and clear for the days of the events. Don't panic!

Arkansas site: *Arkansasstateparks.com*

You may consider camping at the two nearby AR state Lake Catharine Park or and the Gulpha Gorge National Park as well,but availability varies as this is a popular camping time. There are several chain hotels, Inns and B&Bs, too. Red Roof Inn Hot Springs and the Rodeway Inn Hot Springs National Park Area also have trail access.

Campground Specs:
I have two adjacent sits. There's a shower and restroom facility in our loop. No electricity or water on site. I'll have my 2-burner and a single one for coffee!

Location:
Lake Oachita State Park is at 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine, AR, 71956.

Blurb:

Located on 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita, this beautiful park offers unprecedented access to the crystal-clear waters of the state’s largest lake.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking and fishing. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass and largemouth bass are plentiful in open waters or quiet coves.

Other facilities include Caddo Bend Trail, picnic tables, swimming areas and a marina with boat and kayak rentals, bait and supplies. Historic Three Sisters’ Springs is in the park. There are also exhibits and a gift shop inside the visitor center. Interpretive programs such as guided hikes, eagle cruises and kayak tours are offered year-round.

The state park is near Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village.

Preparations:
For fitness: Be sure you are ready for some Ozark Mountain hiking! Hillier than flatlanders like us Woodlands folks are used to. I recommend elevation and leg training for sure, plus good hiking shoes or boots! Trails are mostly moderate with some easy and some harder sections. Let me know if you have any special concerns and we accommodate as best we can!

I will have my portable kayak for some light kayaking if possible at the two lake parks; bring yours if you'd like to try it out. I'm a beginner, so don't expect anything crazy!

For supplies, Hot Springs has anything you would find in a small city I.e. grocery stores and discount stores like WalMart, so re-supplying ice etc. as easy as it gets.