How long is Oertel Trail?

Oertel Trail is 2.3 km (1.4 mi) long. Most walkers complete it in about 37 min, not counting stops.

How hard is Oertel Trail?

It is rated moderate, with roughly 97 m (318 ft) of total ascent. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.

How long does Oertel Trail take?

Allow around 37 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

When is the best time to hike Oertel Trail?

April to October is the most reliable window. It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths.

Can you bring dogs on Oertel Trail?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Oertel Trail suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 2.3 km with 97 m (318 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Oertel Trail a loop?

No. It runs point to point, so you will need transport at the far end or a plan to walk back.

Oertel Trail

Name: Oertel Trail
Address: Arkansas, United States

ModerateArkansas · United States

GPX

Distance: 2.3 km (1.4 mi)
Elevation gain: 97 m (318 ft)
Typical time: 37 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Point to point
Highest point: 235 m (771 ft)

About Oertel Trail

Oertel Trail is a 2.3 km hiking route in Arkansas, United States. It climbs roughly 97 m (318 ft) along the way, topping out at 235 m (771 ft). Most people take around 37 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Hot Springs, about 2.0 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by United States Park Service.

In short, Oertel Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate2.3 km97 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation profile

Ascent: +97 m
Descent: −72 m
High: 235 m (771 ft)
Low: 168 m (551 ft)

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

2.3 km of quiet walking

Know before you go

Best season: April to October
Waymarked: Not consistently
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Not recorded
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Generally usable
Parking: Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency: 112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery: 45/100
Adventure: 15/100
Difficulty: 8/100
Accessibility: 79/100
Family: 43/100
Dogs: 62/100

Tips from the trail

Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Weatherproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

No one has reviewed Oertel Trail yet. Be the first.

Trails near Oertel Trail

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Moderate

Hot Springs Mountain Trail

Arkansas · United States

Distance: 2.6 km
Elevation gain: 126 m
Typical duration: 44 min

Mountain

Moderate

Gulpha Gorge Trail

Arkansas · United States

Distance: 1.2 km
Elevation gain: 35 m
Typical duration: 18 min

Canyon and gorge

Moderate

Goat Rock Trail

Arkansas · United States

Distance: 1.5 km
Elevation gain: 117 m
Typical duration: 30 min

Hard

Sunset Trail

Arkansas · United States

Distance: 15.0 km
Elevation gain: 594 m
Typical duration: 4 hr 1 min

Moderate

Caddo Bend Trail

Arkansas · United States

Distance: 6.4 km
Elevation gain: 210 m
Typical duration: 1 hr 39 min

Expert

Ouachita National Recreation Trail

Arkansas · United States

Distance: 350 km
Elevation gain: 3,637 m
Typical duration: 88 hr

Mountain
Waymarked route
Long-distance path

Keep exploring

All hiking in Arkansas Hiking in United States Hiking near Hot Springs Moderate trails