Hot Springs National Park
Activities & Programs
Plan Your Visit
Hot Springs National Park is in an urban area, surrounding the north end of the city of Hot Springs. Be aware that many businesses in the area say they are in "Hot Springs National Park" when they actually are not; the city's post office name is Hot Springs National Park.
The hot springs only emerge in the Bathhouse Row area downtown because the town grew around the hot springs.
If you only have an hour:
-Tour the park visitor center in the historic Fordyce Bathhouse.
-See (and feel if you want) the hot springs.
If you have half a day:
-Tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse and watch the park movie, Valley of Vapors, and the bathing video. Ask about guided tours.
-Stroll by the eight historic bathhouses and the Grand Promenade, located within Bathhouse Row National Historic Landmark District.
-Take a traditional bath! Ask for hours and rates at the visitor center.
If you have all day or more:
-Do all of the above.
-Drive scenic mountain roads--Hot Springs and North Mountain Drives and West Mountain Drive.
-Picnic on the mountains or by Gulpha Creek.
-Hike some of the park's 26 miles of trails.
-Camp at Gulpha Gorge Campground.
Indoor Activities
Explore the restored Fordyce Bathhouse, the park visitor center and museum.
Tour on your own or with a guide what was the "grandest bathhouse" of its time. Watch a brief history movie of the park and another that shows what a traditional bath is like.
Enjoy a relaxing bath the same way visitors to Hot Springs did 50 years ago.
Take a traditional bath at the Buckstaff Baths, a park concessionaire since 1912, or at any of the following bathhouses in the city of Hot Springs that have special permits from the National Park Service to offer thermal bathing:
- Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
- Austin Hotel and Spa
- Quapaw Baths (scheduled to open in late spring 2008)
- Springs Hotel and Spa
Outdoor Activities
Strolling
Bathhouse Row and the Grand Promenade, within the National Historic Landmark District, provide a picturesque place to stroll and enjoy the elegance of a bygone time.
Hiking the Park Trails
The park has 26 miles of trails for you to explore. You can see wildflowers, rock formations and beautiful scenery. There are trails of varying length and difficulty, something for everyone. Please stay on the trails and avoid "short cuts."
Picnicking
Most picnic areas at Gulpha Gorge, Hot Springs and West Mountains have tables and grills. The Grand Promenade is also a great place for a quiet meal. Please "stash your trash."
Guided Tours
Fordyce Bathhouse Tours
Several days each week, volunteers give guided tours of the elegant Fordyce Bathhouse. Group tours can be arranged with at least two weeks notice by calling the visitor center at (501) 620-6715.
Bathhouse Row Insider's Tour
Join a ranger to hear about the rehabilitation work in progress in some of the bathhouses. These tours are offered as scheduling allows. Please call ahead. Tours can be arranged with at least two weeks notice by calling the visitor center at (501) 620-6715.
Discovering the Waters Tour
Hear the fascinating 4,000 year story of how rain water becomes hot spring water. These tours are offered as scheduling allows. Please call ahead. Group tours can be arranged with at least two weeks notice by calling the visitor center at (501) 620-6715.
You may request an American Sign Language interpreter for any scheduled tours or programs by calling the park at (501) 620-6701 at least one week in advance of your arrival.
Hiking Trails
Walking paths have long been a part of Hot Springs National Park and the preceding Hot Springs Reservation. Many informal paths criss-crossed the mountains when Hot Springs Reservation was reclaimed by the federal government in 1878; however, formal trails were not laid out for several years. In the early to mid 1890s, Captain Robert Stevens laid out many of the trails on Hot Springs Mountain. Most trails were built during the 1920's with some improvements completed by the CCC in 1933.
Trail information was generated and compiled by students from Hot Springs area EAST Labs during a 2006 summer grant program.
Hot Springs In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
