Join Victoria Reichard, Park Archeologist, for a presentation about archeology in Hot Springs National Park followed by a guided hike to Balanced Rock. The 9:30 morning session will take place in the Lamar Bathhouse conference room, where we will talk about what archeologists do in the park, why they do it, and some of the types of sites that they encounter. After the hour and a half to two-hour presentation, we will drive to the Cedar Glades trailhead for Sunset Trail and hike to Balanced Rock, where we will talk about novaculite and its uses and importance for the area. Pack your lunch for a picnic at Balance Rock.

The hike to Balance Rock is a moderately difficult hike of approximately two miles round  trip along the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The trip to Balance Rock is uphill along a moderately difficult, rocky slope. We will take is slow as there us much to see and talk about along the way. In addition to your lunch, you will need to bring water and insect repellent.

For the morning session, please gather along the sidewalk in front of the Lamar Bathhouse. At 9:30, Victoria will meet us there and guide us through the Lamar to the conference room.

There is plenty of parking at Hill Wheatley Plaza, on Central Avenue between Reserve and Spring Streets. There is no charge for parking on Saturday.