Discover Lake Hamilton

When planning a stay in Lake Hamilton, you can consider the lake and nearby attractions according to their different focuses. Some options are in the immediate vicinity, while others are in the wider lake area. This lets you combine getting your bearings in the region with deciding which activity you would like to include in your stay.

The lake as a regional landmark

Covering 7,200 acres, Lake Hamilton is a large lake. It stretches for 18 miles along the western and southern edges of Hot Springs and is the main body of water along these edges. These dimensions establish Lake Hamilton as a regional landmark. The Electric Island Nature Trail and Hill Wheatley Park are in the immediate vicinity of the destination, while pontoon boat and duck boat tours are associated with the wider lake area. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider both the activity you want to do and its location.

Electric Island: hiking trail and fishing

The Electric Island Nature Trail on Lake Hamilton is two miles long and accessible only by boat. The boat journey is therefore part of planning this trail, and its length also gives you a specific indication of the route. On Electric Island, anglers can fish for several species of bass, crappie and bream along a section of Lake Hamilton’s remaining largely unspoiled shoreline. This means the same island offers both a clearly defined hiking route and fishing opportunities. If you are fishing, please take applicable rules and conditions into account, as they may change.

Hill Wheatley Park: beach, swimming and picnicking

Hill Wheatley Park, in the immediate vicinity, has a hiking trail, picnic tables, grills and a pavilion. It also has a sandy beach, a designated swimming area and a boat ramp. The park thus brings several facilities together in one place: the hiking trail complements the areas for picnicking and swimming, as well as access to the lake. Unlike the Electric Island Nature Trail, which is defined by its length and boat-only access, the park is geared toward several different uses. If you are planning your visit around particular park facilities, check their current status in advance, as amenities may change.

Boat tours on Lake Hamilton

Pontoon boat and duck boat tours are offered on Lake Hamilton. Both types of tour are another way to plan an outing on the lake. Unlike the Electric Island Nature Trail, a tour focuses on traveling across the lake; the trail, by contrast, is a two-mile route on the island, which is accessible only by boat. This distinction can help you include a boat tour and an island hike as different activities in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hot Springs, Piney

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