Whittington Avenue a gateway to riding, walking fun
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Whittington Avenue.
One can rest assured that we have plenty of hot days ahead of us, as the change of seasons is still a couple of months down the road. We have, however, already begun to experience overnight lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s during the previous week.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I suspect these numbers will increase in the days to come. Even if the lows do climb to the mid-70s, though, the morning temperatures will still be tolerable. In turn, those who rise early can experience a couple hours of nice weather before the sun creeps high in the sky, bringing with it hot and sultry temperatures.
One longing to experience the morning conditions doesn’t have the luxury of straying too far during this time of the year, unless they are willing to be on the road long before the sun peeks over the horizon. So, it is imperative to choose a location that is close to home.
Well, it just so happens that those living in or near Hot Springs are in luck, as Whittington Avenue is literally within a minute or two of Bathhouse Row and is a perfect destination where one can get a taste of the wonderful outdoors.
Whittington Avenue is a popular destination for walking enthusiasts, and for good reason. Situated under the canopy of huge native trees, a trail makes a 2-mile loop while running alongside the road. The path is very level and is not concealed by a heavy understory. In fact, the National Park Service keeps the grounds mowed and well maintained.
Hikers looking for more of a challenge are also in luck, as a trail leading to atop West Mountain is located between the National Park Service Maintenance Building and West Mountain Drive.
This route makes a winding ascent through a wooded area before reaching the vista atop the mountain. The trail also interconnects with the Sunset Loop Trail, providing those long-winded hikers with several miles of designated path. But even those who feel the safest walking in open and populated areas can travel long distances as well, as they can simply take in the loop alongside Whittington Avenue several consecutive times.
Whittington is also a popular destination for bicycling enthusiasts, and for good reason. Of course, bikers can experience the 1-mile loop, via the road. And they, too, can take several spins around the loop. But riders also have several other options awaiting.
Many have been the times I have parked beside water fountain, located in front of the aforementioned maintenance building, unloaded my bike and headed in the direction of town. In lieu of continuing along the loop, I would simply remain straight at the intersection and continue my ride toward Park Avenue. Turning around in front of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, I would head back up the hill toward where the ride began, a slight detour that would add a mile to my ride.
I would often make a right upon reaching the Alligator Farm and continue up the hill and turn around at the park on the left, adding yet another mile to the ride, deeming the entire loop 3 miles.
Those looking for a greater challenge might consider a journey up West Mountain. In fact, it gets down to business right off the bat. The ascent can prove somewhat of a challenge, but it does lend to a great opportunity to test and gauge one’s endurance.
One can turn around at the intersection, leading to the vista, and return to their vehicle. But those who are physically prepared might consider turning right and continuing to the lookout located at the very top of the mountain.
A ride to the intersection can prove a challenge. But the second phase of the climb is even more strenuous. The climb from the intersection to the first vista is steep and long. Fortunately, the grade lessens somewhat for a distance. But the final climb to atop the mountain is also a booger. Although short, the ascent is very steep.
Once reaching the top, one will be rewarded with a wonderful view over west Hot Springs. However, seldom do I stop and enjoy the scenery, as I am anticipating a fast and winding descent back down the mountain.
Although the ride down the hill is exciting, be aware that deer and smaller mammals often frequent the road’s edge and cross the right of way. A crash with any of these animals at a high rate of speed would surely lead to disaster.
So how about those who are in great shape and still have the stamina to tackle even more obstacles? Well, upon heading back down from atop the mountain and reaching the intersection of West Mountain Drive, simply take a right and embark upon a fast descent to the intersection of Prospect Avenue.
Upon reaching Prospect, take a left, follow the road to Park Avenue, take a left and ride in the bike lane along Bathhouse Row. Upon reaching Arlington Lawn, veer right and follow Fountain Street to the entrance of the road leading to atop North Mountain.
The first section of this climb is not overly strenuous. Hot Springs Mountain Drive makes several hairpin turns, switches back and forth as it makes its way to the mountain tower. Shortly after passing the entrance to the tower, however, the
ascent grows somewhat steeper.
And the final hill leading to the northern most vista is certainly the greatest challenge of the entire climb. Once reaching the vista, however, the most physically challenging portion of the ride is in the rearview mirror. In fact, the rider will be in for an exciting and speedy descent back to Fountain Street.
I suppose one could backtrack to Prospect Avenue and embark upon a ride back over West Mountain upon reaching Fountain Street. However, I know of few who would welcome yet another huge climb before ending their journey.
That in mind, I would suggest simply taking a right onto Park Avenue for a short distance and making a left onto Whittington Avenue at the fountain. From the fountain, Whittington will make a slight ascent for about a mile before leveling out just before leading the rider back to their rig.
Although there are many locations within minutes of downtown Hot Springs where one can enjoy a morning outing amidst the wonderful outdoors, I can’t think of a place that has more options to offer.
It matters not if one is simply looking for a pleasant and relaxing walk or if one is eager and ready for a full-fledged workout, Whittington Avenue is certainly worth considering as an early morning summertime destination.
To get to Whittington Avenue, travel north on Central Avenue alongside Bathhouse Row and take a left at the fountain at the intersection of Park, Central and Whittington. There are ample parking spaces for several vehicles along the road’s edge between the National Park Service maintenance building and West Mountain Drive.