If you’re looking for a quick but scenic drive that packs a surprising amount of beauty into a short stretch, Arkansas Highway 7S through Gulpha Gorge in Hot Springs National Park should definitely be on your radar. This 1.5-mile segment is all about immersing yourself in one of the Ouachitas’ most accessible natural corridors—without having to stray far from the city of Hot Springs itself. Even though it’s short, Highway 7S offers a genuine taste of what makes the park so beloved: wooded hillsides, dramatic rock outcroppings, bubbling streams, and easy access to trails and overlooks.
Our journey starts at the northern end of Gulpha Gorge Campground, at the intersection with Arkansas Highway 7 on the northeast side of Hot Springs. As soon as you pull onto AR-7S, you’re greeted by dense forest canopy, especially in spring and summer when everything is bursting with life. Gulpha Creek runs alongside the road, its clear waters carving their way through mossy stones and shaded picnic areas. The first quarter mile is a prime spot for stretching your legs; you’ll find both the Gulpha Gorge Campground and several trailheads, including the popular Goat Rock Trail and Gulpha Gorge Trail. These short hikes lead to some spectacular overlooks, making it easy to combine a scenic drive with a little outdoor adventure.
Continuing south, the drive takes you deeper into Hot Springs National Park’s core, winding along the narrow valley floor. You’ll notice that this stretch of AR-7S is more about the journey than the destination—every twist of the road gives you a fresh view of the wooded hills or the rocky gorge walls. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and a variety of birds that call this protected area home. If you’re into geology, take note of the exposed rock layers lining the road; these are some of the oldest visible in the entire park. As you approach the southern end, the road climbs gently before merging with Central Avenue, right at the edge of downtown Hot Springs. From here, you’re just minutes away from the city’s famous Bathhouse Row, historic Arlington Hotel, and the National Park Visitor Center.
What really sets this drive apart, despite its short distance, is the sheer concentration of things to see and do immediately along the route. Whether you’re looking to camp, hike, picnic, photograph wildflowers, or just take in a breath of clean, pine-scented air, you’ll find it packed into this compact corridor. Even though you’re technically inside the city limits for much of the drive, the forested setting and the sounds of the creek make it feel worlds away. And because this is part of the original alignment of Arkansas Highway 7—one of the state’s classic scenic byways—you’re traveling a route that’s been loved by Arkansans and visitors alike for generations.
2:30 Gulpha Gorge Campground<
🗺️ Route Map
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