Hot Springs National Park Things to Do

Located in the middle of West Mountain, this shelter is a great place to rest in the shade after a long hike. This shelter was built in 1924 making it the oldest one still standing in the park today.

Hot Springs is home to the former Army-Navy Hospital, the first general hospital in the nation that provided treatment to both Army and Navy patients.

Arsenic Spring is the northernmost of the springs located along Hot Springs Creek. By the late 1800s, a Victorian-era wooden structure was built over the spring. Despite its name, Arsenic Spring became a favorite drinking spring for nineteenth century visitors. A national publication in the 1870s wrote that Arsenic Spring was “in great repute among the fair sex, who fancy that it improves their complexion."

Balanced Rock is located on Sugarloaf Mountain along Sunset Trail between Blacksnake and Cedarglades Road. It's a huge novaculite outcrop with a great view.

Big Iron Spring is the largest and one of the hottest springs in Hot Springs. It was a centerpiece of 19th century Hot Springs both as a functioning spring and a marketable name.

Orginally opened in 1912, the Buckstaff is the only facility on the Row that has never fully closed since it first started offering baths. For information about services, rates, and reservations, please visit their website (www.buckstaffbaths.com) or call them directly at (501) 623-2308.

Corn Hole Springs attracted a broad range of bathers in the nineteenth century because of its ability to treat specific foot ailments. Observers frequently reported that Corn Hole was the most sociable location in Hot Springs, as strangers chatted about topics like the destruction of Ral Hole and their experiences during the Civil War, while healing their feet.

This display spring is one of the few thermal springs that can be seen along Bathhouse Row. It is located behind the Maurice Bathhouse, alongside Steven's Balustrade.

Egg Spring is the northern-most spring located in the uppermost group of hot springs. Egg Spring was historically one of the hottest springs in the park. One observer even reported a water temperature over 150 degrees. Its 1901 temperature was 143 degrees. Egg Spring earned its name because it could supposedly boil an egg the quickest, about 15 minutes.

The Goat Rock viewpoint on the Goat Rock trail offers great views overlooking Indian Mountain.

The Grand Promenade is a National Recreation Trail that runs parrallell to bathhouse row, behind the bathhouses. It's about a half mile long and made entierly out of brick. The inspiration for its design came from the Prado, a pedestrain walkway in Havana, Cuba. Along with it being a great place to walk, it also ofers many benches, tables, and even a table for playing chess.

The present Hale Bathhouse is the oldest visible structure on Bathhouse Row, built in 1892. The Mission Revival-style bathhouse is a textbook case of the changes in use and design of bathhouses buildings in Hot Springs National Park. Today, the Hale operates as a historic boutique hotel.

The source of this cool water is a spring above Fountain Street on the southeast slope of North Mountain. Happy Hollow Spring probably issues from Arkansas Novaculite. The water appears to be of recent vintage-perhaps less than a century in age. Prior to 1960 when it was privately owned, it was called the Magnesia Spring and a pitcher-full cost 5 cents.

Located at 629 Central Ave., just across the street from Hot Springs National Park. Water averages 143º Fahrenheit/62º Celsius

A stone shelter house on the side of a hiking trail. Built high on the edge of Hot Springs Mountain, The shelter faces a great view of the surrounding mountain area.

Hot Springs Creek drains the hot waters of Hot Springs National Park. Today the creek is covered by a tunnel as it passes along Bathhouse Row and is not visible to the public.

Mountain shelters like the one on Hot Spring Mountain were made to provide visitors with a place to rest in the shade while out on a hike.

The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is operated as a concession for the park. The tower's upper observation deck is open-air and at an elevation of 1,256 feet above sea level. From there, visitors may overlook 140 square miles of surrounding countryside, including the entire park and a portion of the Ouachita Mountains.

Located at Arlington Lawn, this is the largest visible spring in the Park. Hot water emanates from the hill side near the Grand Promenade and flows under the path, down a steep cliff into two pools.

Today Today, the first floor of the Lamar Bathhouse serves as the Park’s official store, the Bathhouse Row Emporium run by Eastern National. Lamar Bathhouse History The Lamar Bathhouse opened in 1923, after replacing the previous wooden Victorian bathhouse of the same name that stood there before. The Lamar remained in operation until 1985, and was most known for having tubs of different lengths to accommodate people of different heights.

The Libbey Bathhouse once operated as the government free bathhouse. It is now vacant but holds a thermal water jug fountain.

Located in front of the Libbey Memorial Physical Medicine Center, this thermal jug fountain is available to fill up water jugs with the mineral-rich thermal water.

Magnesia Spring historically flowed from the east bank of Hot Springs Creek, at the base of a 20-foot-high tufa cliff. Numerous 19th century photographs show visitors drinking from and posing by the springs. In 1901, the water measured 137 degrees, and flowed at 35 gallons a minute. The Quapaw Bathhouse, built in 1922, now sits over the location of Magnesia Spring.

In the late nineteenth century, the open waters of the Mud Hole were very popular across the class spectrum. Initially, paying customers at the Mud Hole subsidized poorer patients. Eventually, the federal government took over the bathhouse, using revenue from the pay bathhouses to provide free bathing.

The Noble Fountain is located at the southern end of the Grand Promenade, just off Reserve Street.

Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. Built as a carriage road in the 1880s, it has switchbacks that will take you to the top to a picnic area, the Pagoda overlook, and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.

The source of this cool water is just off Whittington Avenue near the base of West Mountain. In 1911, park employees built a trough for this spring flow to gather in, and in 1954 a jug fountain was built at the present location. Emerging from Big Fork Chert, the water is over 6000 years old.

Whittington Park once featured two shallow rowing lakes, several pavilions, tennis courts, carriage drives, and a caretaker's house. Today, it simply offers shaded walking trails for visitors to enjoy.

Today Today, the Ozark houses the Hot Springs National Park Cultural Center. The Center features gallery spaces for displaying artwork from the park's Artist-in-Residence Program and other temporary exhibitions. The building is operated by the park's non-profit supporting organization, the Friends of Hot Springs National Park. Volunteers from the Friends group open the building for special occasions and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Admission is free. Architecture & Design Designed by architects Mann and Stern of Little Rock, the bathhouse was completed in the summer of 1922, just a few months after the Quapaw opened for business. The owners rejected three earlier Mann and Stern designs considered too grand and expensive. Built at a cost of $93,000 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the building is set between low towers whose receding windows suggest the nascent Art Deco movement. The prominence of the towers was lessened during the 1942 renovation that brought the building’s wings forward in line with the front porch, which was enclosed at the same time. The plaster-cast window boxes are unique on Bathhouse Row. The cartouches on both sides of the front are of the scroll and shield type with the center symbol described as The Tree of Health or The Tree of Life. Like the Quapaw, the Ozark was more impressive in its exterior facade than in its interior appointments, with only 14,000 square feet and twenty-seven tubs. It catered to a middle economic class of bathers unwilling to pay for frills. The Ozark closed in 1977. The painted wooden porch enclosure was removed in the late 1990s to return the building to its original appearance.

The Quapaw Bathhouse offers modern day spa services with amenities like thermal pools, private baths, and a steam cave. For information about services, rates, and reservations, please visit their website (www.quapawbaths.com) or call them directly at (501) 609-9822.

Ral Spring was perhaps the most famous Hot Springs water in the nineteenth century. Ral Springs was associated with the most remarkable outcomes in Hot Springs. The stories of healing, along with free access, made Ral Springs the destination for hundreds of health seekers who could not afford the costs of the bathhouses.

Located on the southern end of Bathhouse Row, this thermal jug fountain is available to fill up water bottles and jugs all year-long.

Rick's Pond is both historical and very peaceful. Located near Gulpha Gorge Campground, off Stonebridge Road, it is one of the less visited locations in the park. From Rick's Pond, you can catch the Sunset Trail to the campground or up towards Fordyce Peak.

The Shell Fountain is located between the Fordyce and Maurice Bathhouses. Built in the late 1800s, it still offers visitors the opportunity to drink the thermal springs water.

The Superior Bathhouse is now home to the only brewery in a United States National Park, and the only brewery in the world to utilize thermal spring water to make their beer. Be sure to visit their website to learn more about the Superior Bathhouse Brewery.

West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. The first overlook affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. The second overlook has a historic trail shelter and picnic tables and the summit has a view south to the Trap Mountains and Lake Hamilton. The Sunset Trail can be accessed from the top of West Mountain.

Novaculite was mined by early native people because of its ability to be easily formed into a variety of shaped for tools while retaining their sharp edge. This outcrop is located on the summit of West Mountain.

The administration building was built in 1936 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It's the newest building to be added onto bathhouse row, and started out as the park's visitor center and museum in addition to being the administration building. It wasn't until 1989 when the visitor center and museum operations moved into the newly refurbished Fordyce Bathhouse.

Arlington Lawn in a nice little area to enjoy nature and the town. It's right across the street from the shops and right next to the hot water cascade and hot spring mountain trials. It offers many benches and a pavilion to cool off in the shade.

Kids visiting Hot Springs National Park may earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing a number of activities as they explore the park. The Junior Ranger booklet is available at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center.

BASIC INFORMATION Camping at Gulpha Gorge Campground costs $34 per night for all sites. All sites have full hookups: 30 and 50 amp electric, water and sewer connections. Sites are not pull-through. Each campsite has a picnic table, pedestal grill, and water.

The northeastern end of Oak Trail is mostly flat. The trail is fairly steep for a short distance between West Mountain Trail and West Mountain Drive.

The Hot Springs and North Mountain trails are popular since they are easy to reach and provide scenic views. You can get to these trails via Stephen’s Balustrade (grand staircase) behind the Fordyce Bathhouse, Hot Springs Mountain Drive, and the Gulpha Gorge Campground. See the Hot Springs and North Mountain trail map for more information. 

Honeysuckle Trail connects Peak Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail.

Short Cut Trail connects Oertel Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail near the picnic area atop Hot Springs Mountain.

Both sections of West Mountain Trail have gradual change in elevation. Note: West Mountain Trail can be made into a loop by using Mountain Top Trail (elevation change: 400 feet in this section).

The flat, gravel trail is popular with joggers and walkers. Whittington Trail loops around Whittington Park.

Mountaintop trail can be linked with Canyon Trail and West Mountain trail to complete a loop around West Mountain. If hiking southward, the trail is strenuous, as it gains elevation quickly. If hiking northward, there is a steady rise in elevation until you cross Sunset Trail; the trail descends steeply to the trailhead at Whittington Park.

The West Mountain trails can be reached from downtown via Canyon Trail. The trailhead is behind the Mountain Valley Water building. The section between West Mountain Drive and West Mountain Trail is very steep.

The Pullman Trail is the only trail in the park that allows bicycles. This moderate trail passes an archeological site and connects with the city's Northwoods Trails. 

Upper Dogwood trail has short rises and long stretches of flat trail. It can be combined with the Lower Dogwood Trail or the Goat Rock Trail to create a longer hike.

Lower Dogwood Trail climbs North Mountain. Near the top, boulders mark the westernmost tip of the trail. From there, the trail drops downhill.

Ask for directions to the trailhead from staff at the Arlington Hotel lobby. Arlington Trail will connect with Lower Dogwood Trail.

Floral Trail connects Lower Dogwood Trail and Honeysuckle Trail. From either trailhead you will descend into a valley and climb the other side.

Gulpha Gorge Trail connects the Gulpha Gorge Campground to many of the park's trails. The trail going west from the campground is steep.

The Goat Rock trail offers stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains and the recharge zone for the thermal springs. Limited parking is available at the overlook on North Mountain. The trailhead starts south of the parking area.

This paved trail can be reached from the Grand Promenade or Arlington Lawn. The lower portion of the Tufa Terrace Trail is near the Hot Water Cascade.

Grand Avenue Trail connects Oertel Trail with Grand Avenue. A local motel lies just south of the trailhead.

This short trail begins on Fountain Street below the entrance to Hot Springs Mountain Drive. Use it to reach Honeysuckle Trail by crossing the road.

Reserve Trail connects Oertel Trail with Spring Street and Reserve Street at a "Y" intersection.

Hot Springs Mountain Trail is an easy stroll around the top of the mountain with several scenic overlooks.

From downtown, ascend the Stephen's Balustrade (grand staircase) behind the Fordyce Visitor Center to the Grand Promenade and climb the next two sets of steps until you reach the gravel road. Take the road right until you reach an iron gate; the trailhead begins here. Oertel Trail ranges from moderate to very steep grade.

Peak Trail leads to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The Trail is 0.6 mi (1.0 km) long with an elevation gain of 644 - 1044 ft (196-318 m). It has a 12.6% grade. The trailhead is located near the center of the Grand Promenade. Peak Trail is paved then turns to gravel and connects to many other hiking trails around Hot Springs Mountain.

This National Recreation Trail is the entry point for many of the Hot Springs and North Mountain trails from downtown.

Biking through national parks is a great way to see beautiful scenery and discover new places. Cyclists are allowed and welcome to ride on any of the paved roads in the park. The roads up to North Mountain and West Mountain maintain a progressive incline with moderate traffic, so please use caution and plan accordingly. *Bicycles are not allowed on the Grand Promenade or on the sidewalk in front of Bathhouse Row.

Photography is an important part of national park history. Photographers took pictures to show why special places needed protection. People were able to see how beautiful and unique park landscapes were even if they could not visit them in person. Today, professional and amateur photographers alike travel from around the world to capture scenic and historic vistas.

Birds are everywhere. They soar overhead, flit through branches, walk on the ground, and swim in the water. From the tiny calliope hummingbird to the gigantic California condor, a great diversity of birds finds a home in the national parks. Even more species pass through during migration. Casual observers and hardcore birders alike can experience the joy of birds and birding in a national park.

Visit the America’s National Parks™ Store at Hot Springs National Park to shop a curated selection of quality educational products and books that will help extend the park experience. Explore products in person or at the America’s National Parks™ Online Store. Your purchases in the park and online directly support educational programs at this park.

The West Mountain trails are less traveled, providing greater opportunities for wildlife sightings. You can get to these trails via Whittington Park and the Canyon Trailhead. See the West Mountain trail map for more information.

Touch the Thermal Springs

Located at Arlington Lawn, this is the largest visible spring in the Park. Hot water emanates from the hill side near the Grand Promenade and flows under the path, down a steep cliff into two pools.

Sunset Trail is the longest trail in Hot Springs National Park, covering approximately 10 miles one-way. Crossing all types of terrain, the trail makes its way through the most remote areas of the park. This trail is divided into three sections: West Mountain (2.8 miles), Sugarloaf Mountain (2.6 miles), and Stonebridge Road (3.8 miles). Sunset Trail can be combined with Hot Springs and North Mountain trails and West Mountain trails to complete a strenuous 15 mile loop hike.

216 feet above Hot Springs Mountain and 1,256 feet above Sea level is the breathtaking panoramic view of the park and its surrounding countryside. Originally being made of wood in 1877, the tower was rebuilt with steel and an elevator in 1982 with both open and enclosed observation decks.

Thousands of visitors highly endorse the good quality of the hot springs water and fill bottles to take home.

Even though there are no soaking opportunities outdoors, Bathhouse Row does have 2 available facilities that offer visitors the chance to fully submerge and relax in the thermal water. The thermal springs are piped directly into both of these bathhouses, offering users a true and authentic experience of the water.