Dennis R. Simpson and Diana Simpson Tours: The hosts of the Hot Springs Village Venues Podcast show you how to experience Hot Springs Village like a local! 🌲🥾
In this episode, we take a short but stunning journey to the Ouachita National Trail, focusing on the beautiful entry point located on Highway 9. Recorded on a perfect March day, this walk features bubbling brooks, scenic vistas, and a firsthand look at the natural wonders just north of the Village.
This massive trail spans 223 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas, all the way into Oklahoma, but today we’re keeping it simple and soaking in the peace and quiet right in our backyard. Join us as we discuss everything from black bear safety and pine beetle attacks to the simple joy of a tired puppy at the end of a long hike.
Video Chapters
-
00:00 Exploring Hot Springs Village Like a Local
-
00:21 How to Find the Highway 9 Entry Point
-
00:50 History of the 223-Mile National Trail
-
01:17 Scenic Walk: Bubbling Brooks & March Views
-
03:35 Distance to the Oklahoma Border
-
05:31 Trail Navigation & Training Mode
-
13:23 Scraps the Trail Dog: A Wave to the Camera
-
15:03 What the Blue Line Means (Staying on Trail)
-
15:36 Bear Talk: Are they Hibernating?
-
16:44 Facing Heights & Staying Safe
-
19:17 The Turnaround Mark: Mission Accomplished
-
23:45 The Return Journey
-
31:04 Bear Safety 101: Native Black Bears
-
32:16 Pine Beetles: Why Trees Fall in the Forest
-
34:11 Photo Ops & Local Vernacular
-
36:20 Final Credits & Our Local Sponsors
Support Our Local Sponsors
-
Janea Cook, Taylor Realty Group: 501-617-9747 (Don’t delay, call Jana!)
-
Joanna Horton, MForce Capital: 501-922-9259
-
Ike Eisenhower, State Farm Agent: 501-984-4100 (Your good neighbor in HSV)
Connect With Us
-
Email: dennis@village-venues.com
-
Website: www.village-venues.com
-
Radio: Sat AM Radio – www.hsv-radio.com or KVRE.com

