Place · 0.4 mi away
Overview
Mountain Top Trail is a forested ridge climb to the crest of West Mountain, with intermittent peeks and a solid payoff near the top. The official route is 1.5 miles one way (3.0 miles total out-and-back) with roughly 425 feet of elevation gain. Expect a well‑maintained tread that’s mostly rocky or packed gravel and plenty of shade.
Route and difficulty
Direction matters. Heading southbound you’ll gain elevation more quickly and feel the cardio early. Northbound is a steadier rise to its high point, then a steeper descent to the Whittington Park trailhead. Many hikers report 45–75 minutes one way depending on pace and direction; plan about 1.5–2 hours for the full out‑and‑back. Grades are moderate with a few steeper pitches, and the crushed rock can be loose on descents, so watch your footing.
Mountain Top connects with West Mountain Trail, Canyon Trail, and the long Sunset Trail, making loop variations easy if you want to extend. The south end reaches the upper West Mountain area near Prospect Avenue; the north end anchors at Whittington Park.
What you’ll see
This is a woods walk for much of the way—peaceful and quiet under oak‑pine canopy—with the best views near the top of West Mountain where you can look toward downtown Hot Springs. Wildlife sightings are common; keep an eye out for deer and box turtles along the path. Some hikers mention a cold spring along the way, but don’t count on it for resupply.
Tips and best time to hike
Start early for cooler temps and emptier paths; shade helps, but summer heat and humidity still hit hard. Spring is a standout season here: comfortable 50–75°F days, blooming dogwoods/redbuds/azaleas, and clearer views. The trail sees light to moderate use and is comfortable most of the year. Good traction shoes (and optional poles) make the steeper, gravelly bits easier.
Logistics
- Trail surface: rocky/packed gravel; not ADA‑compliant.
- Pets: leashed dogs are allowed on park trails (max 6‑foot leash); pack out waste.
- Water: carry your own—reliable water is not available on trail.
- Navigation: junctions with Sunset and West Mountain are signed, but an offline map helps if you’re stitching a loop.
If you’re chasing constant vistas, this won’t wow you until the top. But for an in‑town climb with quick access, a real summit feel, and easy link‑ups, Mountain Top is a strong, efficient outing.
Pros
- Quick link to Sunset Trail near the top for better viewpoints with a short detour
- In‑town access with a true summit feel without committing to a long day
Cons
- Long forested stretches with limited views until near the top
- Loose crushed rock on steeper grades can make descents slick
Parking
Primary access from Whittington Park trailhead on the north end; limited street parking near Prospect Avenue on the south if doing a point‑to‑point.
Caution
Direction matters—northbound ends with a steep descent to Whittington. Footing can be loose on gravel; summer heat and humidity are real. Carry your own water and don’t rely on finding a spring.
