Hot Springs National Park
The hot springs in Arkansas' Ouachita Mountains were used for their healing powers for centuries by Native Americans before Congress protected them in 1832, making this one of the oldest, albeit smallest, parks in the federal system.
Plan Around Hot Springs National Park
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Hot Springs National Park Details
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas' Ouachita Mountains, is a unique destination that has been attracting visitors for centuries due to its natural hot springs' healing properties. This national park is one of the oldest and smallest in the federal system, established in 1832 by Congress to protect the hot springs. The park's main attraction is the natural hot springs, which flow from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain. There are over 40 hot springs within the park, with water temperatures ranging from 143 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can explore the park's historic Bathhouse Row, a collection of ornate buildings that were constructed between 1892 and 1923. These buildings served as bathhouses during the Gilded Age, and today, they are part of the park's rich history. The Fordyce Bathhouse, one of the most prominent buildings in Bathhouse Row, now serves as the park's visitor center and museum. It features exhibits on the history of Hot Springs, including the role of the bathhouses in the town's development. The Buckstaff Bathhouse, which has been in continuous operation since 1912, still offers public bathing in the traditional manner. The Quapaw Bathhouse, built in 1922, has been transformed into a modern spa. In addition to the hot springs and historic bathhouses, the park offers a range of outdoor activities. The Tufa Terrace Trail is a short walk that leads visitors to a natural hot spring. The Sunset Trail is a 17-mile-long hiking trail that takes visitors into the mountains and provides stunning views of the surrounding scenery. There is also a campground within the park for visitors who wish to stay overnight. Travel tips include bringing comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle for hiking. The park can be accessed by car, and there is ample parking available. Visitors should also bring a bathing suit if they plan on using the Buckstaff Bathhouse or the Quapaw Bathhouse. Nearby attractions include the Ouachita National Forest, which offers more hiking and outdoor activities, and the Garvan Woodland Gardens, which features beautiful botanical gardens and a waterfall. The town of Hot Springs is also worth exploring, with its charming downtown area and many restaurants and shops.
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Arkansas
Nearby Parks Around Hot Springs National Park
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Hot Springs National Park
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Stevens Balustrade
The original main entrance to Hot Springs Reservation, as it was called from 1832 until 1922, was between the Maurice and Fordyce bathhouses directly below the Stevens Balustrade.
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Maurice Bathhouse
The Maurice Bathhouse opened for business on Jan. 1, 1912, the first facility offering a more luxurious bathhouse experience.
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Dead Chief Trail
The 1.4-mile one-way Dead Chief Trail has its trailhead at the Army-Navy Hospital gate above the Stevens Balustrade.
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Tufa Terrace Trail
The short .2-mile Tufa Terrace Trail begins above the Grand Promenade at Stevens Balustrade.
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Carriage Road
This former carriage road, now a gravel path, once delivered excursion parties entering through the Army-Navy grounds to the summit of Hot Springs Mountain.
