ArLA 2026 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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6:45am CDT

Sunday October 18, 2026 6:45am - 8:00am CDT

ArLA Conference has been meeting in Hot Springs for years, and now we're going to see it. Join us for a sunrise hike to Goat Rock from the Gulpha Gorge Campground on Sunday morning for a beautiful view of the Ouachita foothills, followed by a snack breakfast at the campground picnic tables.

Trail Details

1.4 miles (.7 out and back)
308 ft Elevation Gain (similar effort to walking up several flights of stairs)
Switchbacks and occasionally narrow natural paths
Bathrooms, parking, and picnic tables at trailhead

Please Bring

Headlamp or flashlight
Hiking shoes or closed toed shoes with strong treads
Water & light snacks
Trekking pole if needed
Bug spray
Headphones if you like listen to music while hiking

Things to Know

To make the most of our time and have the best chance of catching sunrise, we'll begin hiking at 6:45 AM. Please arrive at the campground parking lot in time to find the group and warm up beforehand! If you miss us, feel free to catch up by taking a left at the fork in the trail.
You can download a map of the trail from All Trails here
Find directions and map of Gulpha Gorge campgrounds here, we'll be meeting at the very top of the map where you see a hiker symbol.

Please reach out to Bekah Hedges ([email protected]) if you have any questions, and keep an eye on Sched for any changes due to weather!

Speakers

Bekah Hedges

Interim Branch Manager, Argenta Library, North Little Rock Public Library System

Bekah Hedges (she/they) has worked in libraries of all kinds for the last dozen years, and has finally put down roots with North Little Rock Public Library System. They've served for the last two years as Teen Department Manager at Laman Library, and recently transitioned to Interim... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2026 6:45am - 8:00am CDT
Gulpha Gorge Campground 305 Gorge Rd, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, USA

Networking / Social

9:00am CDT

MELLW Refresh Room

Sunday October 18, 2026 9:00am - 1:30pm CDT

Room 101

The MELLW Refresh Room is a dedicated quiet space for conference attendees to relax, recharge, and take a break from the noise and stimulation of Camp ArLA.

Please, no laptop use, phone calls, or photography in the Refresh Room. Please keep any conversations with other ArLA Campers at a low volume.

Sunday October 18, 2026 9:00am - 1:30pm CDT
Room 101

Wellness Lounge