This is a description of the HSNP trails as suited for ultra running.
The park has about 25 miles of trails. See maps below and HSNP map
The longest trail is Sunset Trail at about 11 miles. It runs off the map on top. From Cedar Glades road it goes to Stonebridge road. This trail is the most remote and the least maintained. Parts of it are steep and badly eroded. It also has the most grass and weeds. I keep it clipped and I weed eater it twice a year (June and September). The park helps me by mowing parts of it.
The other trails are in better shape. They are 60 inches wide. That means that you can run without touching any plants and come home without ticks or chiggers. I run on these trails all summer. These trails have much better tread. Portions have been resurfaced with nice crushed gravel for smooth running. They are well shaded. Event though these trails are shorter, if you combine all of them it's a nice run and you can change directions and get more miles.
Navigation:
The trails are named and are marked with colored blazes. There are signs at the trail intersections. If you carry a map you shouldn't get lost. Cell service is everywhere. If you do make a wrong turn, you will soon come to a marked trail or road. The longest stretch of trail between roads is 3 miles. You will see other people on the trails should you require assistance.
Water:
On my long runs I fill up at water fountains along the way.
- Happy Hollow Spring - On Fountain street just before the road that goes up to the Mountain Tower
- Picnic Area on top of mountain just below Mountain Tower (restrooms)
- DeSoto Park - where Sunset Trail crosses Park Ave & StoneBridge Road & Gulpha Rd. (restrooms)
- Gulpha Gorge Campground (restrooms)
- Fordyce Bathouse Visitor Center or Restrooms on bathhouse row or parking garage.
- Whittington Spring - On Whittington Ave. near Mountain Top trailhead
- City Park on Whittington Ave. - it's about a mile down the road from the trails (restrooms)
Long Runs:
Most long runs involve running the loop around Sunset Trail. This can be from 13-18 miles depending on how many other trails you add into it. I suggest parking and starting from BlackSnake road or Cedar Glades road. This way you can fill up water at the half way point of the loop. You can use your car as an aid station and do 2 loops and get a nice long run.
Parking:
Gulpha Gorge campground is closed due to Covid-19 but you can park on the street at all the trail heads. There is a free parking garage across the street from the middle of bathhouse row (128 Exchange St). The parking garage has restrooms open at 6 am and is close to a trailhead.
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