Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park protects a unique natural and cultural landscape centered around naturally heated thermal springs flowing from the Ouachita Mountains. Unlike most national parks known for wilderness, Hot Springs blends nature with historic architecture, including Bathhouse Row where visitors have enjoyed the therapeutic waters for over a century. The park also offers scenic forest trails, mountain overlooks, and historic downtown attractions.
Park Data & Statistics
- State: Arkansas
- Established: April 20, 1832 (protected as Hot Springs Reservation)
- National Park Status: 1921
- Park Size: ~5,550 acres
- Annual Visitors: ~2.5 million
- Number of Thermal Springs: 47
- Thermal Spring Temperature: ~143°F (62°C)
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May)
Blooming dogwoods and comfortable temperatures.
Fall (October–November)
Beautiful fall foliage in the Ouachita Mountains.
Winter
Quieter park with fewer crowds.
Summer
Popular tourist season due to the historic bathhouses.
Best Photography Locations
- Bathhouse Row historic buildings
- Hot Springs Mountain Tower views
- Ouachita Mountain forest landscapes
- Sunset viewpoints
Camping & Lodging Options
Gulpha Gorge Campground
The only campground inside the park with modern amenities.
Numerous hotels and resorts are located in nearby Hot Springs.
Indigenous / Cultural Significance
The thermal springs were used for centuries by Indigenous peoples including tribes such as the Caddo Nation and the Quapaw Nation, who considered the springs sacred healing waters.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
There is no entrance fee to visit Hot Springs National Park.
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Goat Rock scenic overlook
- Quiet forest trails on West Mountain
- Gulpha Gorge hiking trails
- Sunset Trail wilderness sections
- Historic park architecture details
Additional Resources (1)
• Official Hot Springs National Park Website (National Park Service) – Official park information, alerts, and visitor planning resources.
• Hot Springs National Park Maps – Download official park maps including hiking trails and scenic drives.
• Hot Springs National Park Hiking Guide – Trail descriptions and safety information.
• Hot Springs Current Conditions & Alerts – Weather updates and park alerts.
• Bathhouse Row Information – History and details about the historic bathhouses.
Popular Hiking Trails
- Hot Springs Mountain Trail
1.7 miles – Scenic loop with views of the Ouachita Mountains. - Sunset Trail
10 miles – Long trail circling much of the park. - Goat Rock Trail
1 mile – Short hike with great views. - West Mountain Trail
2.8 miles – Moderate hike through forest landscapes. - Gulpha Gorge Trail
2 miles – Connects campground area to the park trail system.
Top Scenic Viewpoints
- Hot Springs Mountain Tower
- West Mountain Overlook
- Goat Rock scenic viewpoint
- Sunset Trail overlooks
Beginner-Friendly Activities
- Tour historic bathhouses
- Walk Bathhouse Row
- Visit Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center
- Short hikes on Hot Springs Mountain
Nearby Getaway Towns
Hot Springs – Historic city located directly adjacent to the park and home to Bathhouse Row.
Waterfalls, Lakes, or Natural Highlights
- Natural thermal springs
- Ouachita Mountain forests
- Historic Bathhouse Row
- Gulpha Gorge
Scenic Drives
West Mountain Drive
A scenic drive through the Ouachita Mountains offering overlooks of Hot Springs and surrounding forests.
Maps & Navigation Resources
Visitors can use:
- Official NPS park maps
- onX Backcountry App
- AllTrails hiking maps
- Printed visitor center maps
- GPS navigation hiking apps
One Day Itinerary
Morning
- Walk Bathhouse Row
- Tour Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center
Midday
- Relax at a historic bathhouse spa
- Lunch in downtown Hot Springs
Afternoon
- Scenic drive to Hot Springs Mountain Tower
- Short hike along park trails
Evening
- Sunset views from West Mountain
- Dinner in downtown Hot Springs
Popular Flora
The park lies within the Ouachita Mountain forest ecosystem.
Common plants include:
- Oak trees
- Hickory trees
- Pine forests
- Dogwood trees
- Mountain laurel
Popular Fauna
Mammals:
- White-tailed deer
- Gray foxes
- Raccoons
Birds:
- Red-tailed hawks
- Woodpeckers
- Wild turkeys
Other wildlife:
- Turtles
- Salamanders
Advanced/Backcountry Activites
- Long-distance hiking on Sunset Trail
- Mountain biking on park trails
- Extended forest hikes
Park History
Hot Springs was first protected in 1832, making it one of the oldest federally protected areas in the United States. The area became famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a health resort where visitors came to soak in the naturally heated springs.
Visitor Tips and Safety
- The natural spring water emerging from the ground is extremely hot.
- Bathhouse Row offers safe bathing experiences.
- Summers can be hot and humid in Arkansas.
- Parking near Bathhouse Row can fill quickly during peak seasons.
Top 5 Bucket List Experiences
- Soak in a historic bathhouse spa
- Walk Bathhouse Row
- Visit Hot Springs Mountain Tower
- Hike Sunset Trail
- Fill a bottle with thermal spring water
Fun Facts
- Hot Springs National Park was protected before the national park system existed.
- The springs naturally flow at about 143°F.
- Bathhouse Row contains some of the best preserved historic bathhouses in the U.S.
- The park combines urban history and natural landscapes.
- Visitors can fill bottles with thermal spring water at designated fountains.
Additional Resources (2)
• Hot Springs Arkansas Visitor Guide – Local tourism information and travel planning.
• AllTrails – Hot Springs National Park Trails – Hiking maps, reviews, and GPS navigation.
• National Park Foundation – Hot Springs Overview – Conservation information and park highlights.
• Arkansas Tourism – Hot Springs Guide – Travel tips and visitor highlights.
• Hot Springs National Park Wikipedia Overview – Background on park history, geology, and wildlife.