Things to do in Hot Springs National Park
An urban national park protecting thermal springs, historic bathhouses, forested Ouachita Mountain trails, scenic drives, and downtown cultural landscapes.
Best months: March, April, October, November
What is worth your time in Hot Springs National Park
Grand PromenadeDo not miss
The brick walkway behind Bathhouse Row links open springs, hillside views, and quiet space above downtown.
Hike · 53 min4.8
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor CenterDo not miss
The restored Fordyce Bathhouse is the park’s essential indoor museum and best explanation of the historic spa era.
Ranger Program · 1.5 hr4.7
Bathhouse RowDo not miss
The landmark row of historic bathhouses is the core cultural landscape and the easiest way to understand why the park exists.
Other · 1.4 hr4.4
Thermal Water Jug Fountains
The public fountains let visitors safely collect the famous thermal water and connect with a local ritual.
Other · 23 min4.9
West Mountain Drive
This one-way mountain road gives easy overlooks back toward Bathhouse Row and forested ridges.
Scenic Drive · 53 min4.8
Goat Rock Trail
The trail climbs to rocky viewpoints that show the city, forest canopy, and Ouachita ridges from a quieter side of the park.
Hike · 2 hr4.7
Gulpha Gorge Trail
The wooded climb from the campground links the quiet gorge with Hot Springs Mountain trails.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.7
Sunset Trail
The park’s longest trail offers a full forest day across ridges, hollows, and less-visited backcountry edges.
Hike · 7.5 hr4.7
Tufa Terrace Trail
A short path passes visible thermal spring features and interpretive signs just above Bathhouse Row.
Hike · 33 min4.7
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
The tower provides the broadest view over Hot Springs, the Ouachita Mountains, and the compact park landscape.
Viewpoint · 1.1 hr4.5
Peak Trail
This short, steep connector climbs from Bathhouse Row toward Hot Springs Mountain and makes downtown feel surprisingly wild.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.5
Quapaw Baths & Spa
A modern soak in piped thermal water adds the living spa tradition back into a Bathhouse Row visit.
Other · 2 hr4.4
Buckstaff Bathhouse
The operating historic bathhouse offers a more traditional thermal bathing experience in the national park setting.
Other · 2 hr4.3
Hot Springs Mountain Drive
The winding drive connects overlooks, picnic areas, the tower, and short trailheads with minimal walking.
Scenic Drive · 1.1 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Hot Springs is famous for Bathhouse Row, federally protected thermal water, the Fordyce Bathhouse, mountain drives, and its unusual city-and-park setting.