View from the vista on the south part of the Horseshoe Mountain Trail. Lake Catherine in the distance. (Panoramic.)
The Horseshoe Mountain Trail at Lake Catherine State Park (near Hot Springs) is an enjoyable and vigorous 2.7-mile hike.
Although the longest stretch of the trail is on the U-shaped ridge on Horseshoe Mountain, my favorite parts are the wooded hillside areas where the trail approaches the ridge from the north and from the south.
There are also a few vistas that are very nice, and a stretch along the Lake Catherine shoreline which is a treat.
Scenic climb at the southeast part of Horseshoe Mountain Trail.
Check Mara’s full profile of the trail here .
The stretch at the beginning of the Horseshoe Mountain Trail as it works its way up the mountain (north part) is one of the most scenic areas.
These photos are all from my August 16, 2015 hike.
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park.
I’m a big fan of the first part of the loop as it works its way up Horseshoe Mountain.
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park.
Rock formations as the trail approaches the ridge on Horseshoe Mountain are one of the coolest aspects of the trail.
Rocky area on Horseshoe Mountain Trail.
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park.
Bench at the trail’s north vista. There is a short spur to reach the vista.
Much of the Horseshoe Mountain Trail is on a ridge with fewer and shorter trees and lots of grassy areas that go dormant during the hot part of the summer.
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park.
Cool switchback part of the Horseshoe Mountain Trail on the southeast part of the loop.
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, along shore of Lake Catherine.
On the east (last) part of the loop, there are some very nice views of Lake Catherine.
Swinging bridge, toward the end of the Horseshoe Mountain Trail loop. Lake Catherine State Park.
Photo Gallery
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North-facing view from vista at about .6 miles, accessed via a short spur. (Photo: Mike Newman)
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Horseshoe Mountain Trail, Lake Catherine State Park
Last revised: 3-9-2020