There may not be trolls under the bridge, nor a yellow-brick path to follow but the forest we’re looking at today still feels like the setting for a storybook. The Hot Springs National Park protects an ancient forest that is one of the most beautiful in the state. Let’s watch out for grandmotherly wolves and hike through this unbelievably old forest.

Hot Springs is home to a spectacular forest.
AllTrails/Greg Bunn
There's numerous trails in the area to tour parts of the forest or you can tackle the whole thing on the 14-mile Sunset Trail.
Although it may not be a yellow brick road, the path still feels rather enchanting.
AllTrails/Larpsarp Po
What makes this forest so unique is its age.
AllTrails/Lisa McConnell
Parts of the old growth forest within the national park were core-sampled by U of A students to determine just how old the trees were.
AllTrails/Jeff Fitzhugh

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The results determined that the forest is over 400 years old.
Flickr/Paul
The 220-acres of forest is protected in the Hot Springs National Park, which is also the nation's oldest park.
AllTrails/Lisa McConnell
Although the area wasn't designated a state park until March 4, 1921, the land had been under federal protection since 1832.
AllTrails/John Clopton
Besides being an iconic part of Arkansas' history, the forest is simply breathtaking.
AllTrails/Paul Emmons
Hot Springs' old growth forest is truly a historic treasure.
AllTrails/Robert Dunn

We would love to see your photos along the trails in the Hot Springs National Park in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

We mentioned Hot Springs being the oldest national park in the nation. If you’d like to learn more about, you can read our feature article that explains how it’s actually older than Yellowstone.

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