National Park Guide

Hot Springs National Park

Arkansas, US

America's oldest federal reserve, where historic bathhouses line a grand promenade fed by naturally heated thermal springs.

5,550
Acres
26
Trails
1921
Established
2.1 million
Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season
Year-round
Entrance Fee
Free
Nearest Airport
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), 1 hour
Best Months
March, April, October

Highlights

  • Bathhouse Row
  • Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center
  • Hot Springs Mountain Tower
  • Grand Promenade Trail
  • Thermal spring water fountains

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs Mountain Trail

Moderate
1.7 miles round trip
350 ft gain

Sunset Trail

Strenuous
10.0 miles round trip
1,200 ft gain

Grand Promenade Trail

Easy
0.5 miles one way
50 ft gain

Goat Rock Trail

Moderate
1.6 miles round trip
300 ft gain

Dead Chief Trail

Moderate
2.6 miles round trip
400 ft gain

About Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is unique among national parks, located in the heart of an Arkansas city and centered around Bathhouse Row, a collection of elegant early 20th-century bathhouses fed by naturally heated spring water. The park protects 47 hot springs that flow from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain at an average temperature of 143 degrees Fahrenheit.

In-Depth Guide

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

Plan your trip to Hot Springs National Park. Top trails, historic bathhouses, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Arkansas's thermal springs.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Where to Stay

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The Hotel Hot Springs

$$

A charming 3-star hotel in downtown Hot Springs just minutes from the national park, offering a free breakfast buffet, an on-site American restaurant, bar, and a terrace for relaxing.

5 min drive$100-180/night
Check on Hotels.com

Embassy Suites by Hilton Hot Springs Hotel & Spa

$$$

A full-service Hilton hotel in downtown Hot Springs featuring a spa with Swedish massage, daily manager's reception, free full breakfast, indoor pool, and easy access to Bathhouse Row.

5 min drive$180-300/night
Check on Hotels.com

Hampton Inn Hot Springs

$$

A reliable 2.5-star Hilton hotel in midtown Hot Springs rated 8.8/10, offering free self-serve breakfast, a coffee shop, laundry facilities, and a convenient home base for exploring the park.

10 min drive$90-160/night
Check on Hotels.com

More Southeast Parks

Other national parks in the Southeast region

Park Details

Highest Point
1,405 ft (Music Mountain)
Camping
Available
Wilderness Areas
No
Pet Friendly
Yes (limited areas)
Region
Southeast
Established
1921