Hot Springs National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Hot Springs National Park is the oldest protected area in the American national park system, predating Yellowstone by four decades. In 1832, President Andrew Jackson signed legislation setting aside the hot springs and surrounding mountain land as a federal reservation -- the first time the U.S. government preserved a natural area for public use. The park occupies a peculiar position: it is located not in a remote wilderness but in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas, a city of 38,000 that grew up around the thermal waters and whose historic downtown is literally part of the park. Bathhouse Row, the park's centerpiece, is a line of eight ornate bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923 along Central Avenue, their facades of brick, stone, and tile representing one of the finest collections of Gilded Age spa architecture in America.

The thermal springs themselves emerge from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain at a combined flow rate of approximately 700,000 gallons per day, at a temperature of 143 degrees Fahrenheit. The water originates as rainfall on the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, percolates thousands of feet underground over a period of approximately 4,000 years, is heated by the natural geothermal gradient of the earth's crust, and rises back to the surface along fault lines. It is ancient rain, heated by deep earth, emerging in the middle of a small Southern city. Two of the bathhouses still offer traditional thermal baths, and the park maintains public fountains where visitors can fill bottles with the spring water for free.

Best Hikes

Hot Springs Mountain Trail -- The park's most popular trail, climbing 1.5 miles from Bathhouse Row to the summit of Hot Springs Mountain and its observation tower. The trail passes through hardwood forest and offers views of the city and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower at the summit provides 360-degree views from its observation deck (small admission fee for the tower). The trail connects to other park trails for longer loop options. Difficulty: moderate. Allow 1-2 hours.

Sunset Trail -- The longest trail in the park at 10 miles one way, traversing the ridgeline of the Ouachita Mountains through the park's forested backcountry. The trail passes through mature oak-hickory-pine forest with wildflowers in spring and occasional views of the surrounding valleys. Most hikers walk shorter segments. The full trail can be combined with other trails for various loop options. Difficulty: moderate to strenuous (full length). Allow 1-6 hours depending on distance.

West Mountain Trail -- A 1.6-mile loop that circles West Mountain through oak and hickory forest with several overlooks providing views of the city and Hot Springs Mountain. The trail offers a pleasant woodland walk within easy reach of downtown. Wildflowers bloom along the trail in spring. Difficulty: easy to moderate. Allow 1 hour.

Goat Rock Trail -- A short 0.6-mile one-way trail that climbs to a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. The trail is steep in sections and involves some scrambling near the summit, but the views of downtown Hot Springs, Bathhouse Row, and the surrounding mountains are excellent. This is the best viewpoint in the park for photography. Difficulty: moderate. Allow 45 minutes round trip.

Peak Trail -- A 2.4-mile loop that circles North Mountain and connects with the Hot Springs Mountain Trail system. The trail passes through the park's northern forests and is less traveled than the trails closer to Bathhouse Row. The forest here is representative of the Ouachita Mountain ecosystem, with shortleaf pine, white oak, and hickory. Difficulty: moderate. Allow 1.5-2 hours.

Grand Promenade -- A half-mile paved brick walkway along the hillside behind Bathhouse Row, connecting the thermal springs display area with the park's trail system. The promenade passes several thermal spring features, including display springs where visitors can see (and touch) the hot water emerging from the hillside. This is the best introduction to the park's thermal features and the starting point for most hiking trails. Difficulty: easy. Allow 30 minutes.

When to Visit

March-May -- Spring is the best season. Dogwoods and redbuds bloom in the surrounding forests, temperatures are comfortable (60s to 80s), and the city is lively without being overwhelming. The Ouachita Mountains are green and the trails are at their most pleasant.

June-August -- Summer is hot and humid, with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s and heat indices above 100 degrees. The thermal baths are less appealing when the weather itself feels like a sauna, though the bathhouses are air-conditioned. Hiking is best done early in the morning. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons.

September-November -- Fall brings cooler temperatures and fall color in the hardwood forests, typically peaking in late October to early November. This is an excellent time for hiking, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. The city is less crowded than spring.

December-February -- Winter is mild by northern standards (40s to 50s during the day, occasional freezes at night) and the park is quiet. The thermal baths are particularly appealing in cool weather. Holiday events and displays brighten the city during December.

Where to Stay

Hotel Hale -- Housed in the former Hale Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row, this boutique hotel offers modern accommodations in a historic building that is part of the national park. The location is extraordinary -- you are literally sleeping inside the park. Rates start around $150-$250 per night.

Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa -- A historic grand hotel overlooking Bathhouse Row, operating since 1875 (the current building dates to 1924). The hotel has its own thermal baths fed by the hot springs. Rates start around $100-$200 per night.

Gulpha Gorge Campground -- The park's only campground, located about 2 miles from Bathhouse Row. The campground has 40 sites along Gulpha Creek, with water and electric hookups available at some sites. Sites cost $30-$40 per night and can be reserved through Recreation.gov. The setting in a forested gorge is pleasant.

Downtown Hot Springs -- The city has a wide range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the park. Budget options start around $60-$100 per night. The downtown area is compact and walkable.

Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine -- Two lakes south and west of the city offer lakeside resorts, cabins, and campgrounds. These areas are popular for families combining a park visit with lake recreation. Rates vary widely.

Getting There

By Air -- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock is the nearest major airport, approximately 55 miles and 1 hour from Hot Springs. The drive on Highway 70 or I-30/Highway 7 is straightforward.

By Car from Little Rock -- Take I-30 west to Highway 70 west, or take Highway 7 south from I-30 at Benton. The drive is approximately 55 miles and takes about 1 hour.

By Car from Dallas -- Take I-30 east through Texarkana. The drive is approximately 300 miles and takes about 4.5 hours.

Parking -- Downtown parking can be challenging during peak times. The park operates a small parking lot behind Bathhouse Row, and there are city-operated parking garages and lots along Central Avenue. Most trailheads have their own small parking areas.

Essential Tips

Thermal bathing -- Two bathhouses on Bathhouse Row currently offer traditional thermal baths. Buckstaff Bathhouse has been in continuous operation since 1912 and offers the most authentic historic experience. Quapaw Bathhouse has been renovated into a modern spa with thermal pools. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Free spring water -- Several fountains around Bathhouse Row dispense thermal spring water for free. Bring a bottle and fill up. The water is safe to drink (it is tested regularly) and has been consumed for centuries, though it has a distinct mineral taste.

Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center -- The most elaborate building on Bathhouse Row, the Fordyce has been restored as the park's visitor center and museum. The building itself is the main exhibit, with its original stained glass, tile work, hydrotherapy equipment, and gymnasium preserved. Admission is free and a visit is essential.

Downtown is the park -- Unlike almost every other national park, there is no entrance gate or entrance fee. Bathhouse Row, the spring areas, and the surrounding mountain trails are all within the city of Hot Springs. You can walk from a restaurant to a trailhead in minutes.

Ticks and poison ivy -- The forested trails in the park are in prime tick and poison ivy habitat. Wear long pants, use repellent, and check yourself after hiking.

Nearby Attractions

Ouachita National Forest -- Surrounding the park on three sides, the Ouachita National Forest offers extensive hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic driving. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail stretches 223 miles from central Oklahoma to central Arkansas.

Crater of Diamonds State Park -- About 60 miles south of Hot Springs, this is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. Visitors dig in a 37-acre plowed field and keep whatever they find. Diamonds are found regularly, including occasional stones of significant size.

Lake Ouachita -- The largest lake in Arkansas, located about 15 miles northwest of Hot Springs. The crystal-clear lake offers swimming, fishing, boating, and scuba diving. Three Forks area and the lake's many islands are popular destinations.

Bathhouse Row -- While technically part of the park, Bathhouse Row also functions as a cultural and commercial district. The Superior Bathhouse Brewery, located in a former bathhouse, is the only brewery in a national park, using thermal spring water in its brewing process.