Est. 1921 | Arkansas | 5,554 acres

Built on the therapeutic benefits of thermal activity, Hot Springs National Park is both a quirky resort town as well as a secluded nature escape near bustling Little Rock, Arkansas. Tour Bathhouse Row and relive the historic accommodations of Fordyce Bathhouse or take a dip in the waters of the refurbished Quapaw Bathhouse. Afterward, hit the trails to see the bubbling springs in action or hike the surrounding mountains for unparalleled views of the Arkansas wilderness.

Few parks so seemlessly intertwine civilization and nature like Hot Springs National Park. Encompassing the town of Hot Springs, the park is intermingled with commercial and residential living. Route 7, the site of Bathhouse Row, runs north-south through the center of the park acting as the main thoroughfare for the park’s attractions. Route 70B cuts east around the park bypassing the slow resort town traffic eventually meeting up with Route 7 via Gorge Road on the northeastern side of the park. This loop of roadway circles Hot Springs Mountain, the location for the majority of the hiking trails. Because the park boundaries grew around the already existing roads of the town, there are no entrance stations and thus no entrance fees for Hot Springs National Park, making this destination a most accessible addition to the park system.

Park Highlights

1. Fordyce Bathhouse Tour—The only visitor center for Hot Springs is located in Fordyce Bathhouse. Among the 8 historic bathhouses, this is the only location to double as a free museum. Four floors of locker rooms, spa centers, bathrooms and even a top-level gymnasium transport visitors back to the glory days of 1915. Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (with holiday exceptions) the self-guided tour takes 30–60 minutes to walk depending on the level of interest for the exhibits.
2. Grand Promenade—Directly behind Bathhouse Row, lies a wide paved walking path known as the Grand Promenade. This half-mile entry point from downtown guides visitors to the various hot springs in the vicinity, some piped into fountains, others flowing freely down the landscape. Consider visiting during cold days for dramatic steam-filled pools and streams.
3. Goat Rock—Starting from Gulpha Gorge Campground, hike 1 mile out and 400 feet up to Goat Rock Overlook for immersive views of the Ouachita Mountains and surrounding forest. Facing east, this hike is especially beautiful at sunrise as nightly mist in the valley rises with the sun.
4. Ricks Pond—North of Hot Springs Mountain on Route 7, an unassuming road leads to a tranquil scene of plant and pond life. As you stroll the walking paths, keep an eye out for red-eared slider turtles sunning on logs. From a distance, they looks like stones, but approach slowly as they will quickly hide from the presence of hikers.
5. Hot Springs Mountain Tower—As an authorized concessioner of Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs Mountain Tower is privately operated on park property. This 216-foot observation deck rises from the summit of Hot Springs Mountain providing 360º panoramic views of the the surrounding area. This is an excellent viewpoint for a sunset. For more information and hours of operation, visit the official Hot Springs Mountain Tower website.

Best time to visit Hot Springs

For the best combination of weather, scenery, and crowds, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are typically the best times to visit. However, if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, winter could be a better choice.

• Spring (March to May): Spring is best for mild weather and spring blooms. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from the 50–70°F (10–25°C), making it ideal for hiking and walking the historic district. The spring flowers, including dogwoods and azaleas, generally reach their climax at the start of April; however, forest foliage doesn’t begin to fill out completely until mid-April.

• Summer (June to August): Central Arkansas can get hot and humid in the summer, with temperatures often reaching 90°F (30°C), especially in July and August. If you don’t mind the heat, it’s a great time to enjoy the park’s hot springs and take a dip in the thermal waters. It’s also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds.

• Fall (September to November): At the start of the school season, the weather and crowds both die down. With average temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15–27°C), fall is perfect for hiking and chasing autumn leaves. Late October and early November are prime windows to see peak color.

• Winter (December to February): The winter months in Hot Springs are quieter, with fewer visitors and cooler temperatures ranging from the 30s to 50s°F (1–10°C). The hot springs are particularly enjoyable during the colder months as they release stunning sheets of steam in the sunlight.

How long should I visit Hot Springs?

Hot Springs doesn’t usually require more than a 1 day to visit. Because the bathhouses and hot springs are all centrally located, you can visit these sites in half a day, taking the rest of the day to hike or drive to an overlook for sunset views. We suggest arriving midday, staying 1 night, and leaving midday on the following day. This will allow you to catch a sunrise and sunset, while maximizing the cooler temperatures of morning and evening.

Getting to Hot Springs

Hot Springs is situated roughly 20 miles north of Interstate 30 between Little Rock, Arkansas, and Texarkana, Texas. Only an hour from Little Rock, most visitors choose to fly into Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) rather than the farther pricier option of Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK).

Though the park provides parking lots for trailheads and overlooks, Hot Springs National Park relies on city parking for Bathhouse Row and downtown trails. The city of Hot Springs currently offers free parking at 128 Exchange Street (one block west of the visitor center). This storied parking garage keeps cars cool in the shade during summer months.

Where to stay in Hot Springs

Lodging: While there are abundant lodging options within the town of Hot Springs, itself, the park offers premium lodging on Bathhouse Row at Hotel Hale. Though privately operated, visitors can experience a night of luxury within park boundaries in a historic bathhouse. With only 9 rooms in the newly renovated facility, availability at Hotel Hale is limited.

Campground: Hot Springs National Park’s only campground, Gulpha Gorge Campground, sits on Gorge Road between Route 7 and Route 70B. Open year round, all 44 campsites have electricity, water and sewer for tents or RVs. On the east side of the park, Gulpha Gorge is secluded and quiet while still offering access to a network of trails on Hot Springs Mountain.

When should I book?

With immediate access to city life, lodging in Hot Springs is rarely a hot commodity as long as your expectations are flexible. Hotel Hale fills up quickly due to its small accommodations and advance booking only 4 months out. Whereas, Gulpha Gorge Campground is is reservable on a 6-month rolling basis. The campground is busiest in the summer months especially around holidays, but usually has a site or two open for last minute plans.

How much should I budget?

As one of the most affordable parks, an overnight trip to Hot Springs National Park can range from $300–$600 depending on your required needs. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to Little Rock	$250–$400
Car Rental	$30–$50/day (not including taxes/fees)
Campsite	$34/night (not including taxes/fees)
Hotel Lodging	$100–$350/night
Restaurant Meals	$15–$25/meal

Packing list for Hot Springs

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For Hot Springs National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without hiking shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed trip report for a peek into our trip to Hot Springs.

For more detailed information on Hot Springs National Park, visit the official park website.