National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS photo · Public domain
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand architecture of our historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks – all in the middle of town – make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor CenterMain
Hot Springs, AR · Open year-round except some holidays; hours vary
Airports
- HOT
Hot Springs Memorial Field · Hot Springs, AR
ClosestSmall airportVery limited: Southern Airways Express flies 9-seat planes to Dallas/Fort Worth and Memphis.
- LIT
Clinton National Airport · Little Rock, AR
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
1 mi · 98 ft gain · out & back
The park's primary paved walkway and National Recreation Trail, the main entry point to the Hot Springs trail system.
Starts at: Bathhouse Row
1.2 mi · 400 ft gain · out & back
Climb to Hot Springs Mountain Tower, the highest point in the park, with panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains.
Starts at: Grand Promenade
3.4 mi · 42 ft gain · out & back
Gentle stroll around Hot Springs Mountain with scenic overlooks of the city and valley below.
Starts at: Hot Springs Mountain Tower
2.2 mi · 181 ft gain · out & back
Ridgeline trail on North Mountain to an overlook of the Ouachita landscape. Less foot traffic than Hot Springs Mountain.
Starts at: North Mountain Trailhead
Upcoming Events
Fordyce Tour
Join a Ranger tour through the Fordyce Bathhouse to learn about the history of the Great American Spa era that made Hot Springs National Park the leading public health and leisure resort in the United States. Themes and topics vary by ranger, no reservations required.
Join a ranger for a free, 45-minute outdoor tour of Bathhouse Row, the thermal springs, and the downtown area of Hot Springs National Park! Themes and topics vary by ranger. No reservations are required.
Art in the Park Workshop. "Digital Wonder"
A workshop where partiicants use photos taken int hep ark on their own devices as a starting point for ink sketches and mixed media experimentation on paper. Beatriz will demonstrate how to integrate sketching with collage, acrylic, and pens. Participants will learn how to loosely experiment while reflecting on the beauty of the park. Since many nature photos sit forgotten on devices, this provides a meaningful way to transform a digital moment into a tangible, memorable work of art.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs
Best time to visit: April–May, October
The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is April–May and October. Temperatures are mild for hiking and walking Bathhouse Row, avoiding humid summers with heat index values above 100°F.
In those months, average highs are 73–80°F at Bathhouse Row. Visitor numbers peak in June, so these months are usually less crowded.
Monthly averages at Bathhouse Row (620 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures in Hot Springs can range from about 90°F (32°C) to less than 27°F (-2.7°C). Summer days can be hot and humid, with heat index values up to 110ºF (43ºC). Winter wind chills can make temperatures feel much colder, as low as 15ºF (-9.4ºC). Spring and fall typically have the most rainfall. Generally, Hot Springs experiences mild weather throughout the year.
