After a couple days of touring and sight-seeing, it's time to return to nature as we meander eastward. Today we had a beautiful and unusual hike, the Lower Dogwood Trail in Hot Springs National Park. It is an easy hike just under two miles. To get to the loop, however, we had to access the Arlington Trail, which is located behind the Arlington Hotel and Spa. The historic hotel is huge with over 500 rooms. The staff are incredibly kind and accommodating. I spoke with someone via phone a couple weeks ago and couldn’t believe their instructions to do this hike, but it was as they described.
First, we drove into their parking garage and received valet parking for $5. “Park as long as you need. Enjoy your hike.” Ok, when have you ever had valet parking for a hike?
Second, this is our first hike where we started on the sixth floor of the hotel. Yes, that's right. We went inside the hotel, took their elevator to the sixth floor and exited to the Arlington trailhead, which is right by their outdoor pool and spa. See the black railing in the far middle on the photo where we exited the 6th floor, then walked around the pool and through two gates to find the trailhead by the spa. A sixty-foot elevation gain when hiking has never been so easy.
We capped off a great day with a wonderful dinner at Fisherman's Wharf (no not in San Francisco). This restaurant has been around for years and is still popular. It has a large outdoor seating area that extends over the water, allowing boats and wildlife on Lake Hamilton to come right up to the edge. Locals drive up to the restaurant in their boat and dock. How fun. I wish we could have stayed until sunset. It’s a beautiful place and the food is good too!
This is our first visit to Hot Springs. I was impressed. Lots of hiking and boating options. Beautiful area. Restaurants. Great summer playground!
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