Hot Springs National Park Info
Amenities
Accessibility
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Wheelchair accessible entrance
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Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Activities
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Hiking
Amenities
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Barbecue grill
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Picnic tables
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Public restroom
Children
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Good for kids
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Kid-friendly hikes
Pets
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Dog park
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Dogs allowed
Best WLM Reviews
This is a unique park, as the city of Hot Springs sits in the middle of it. All of the trails we hiked were well maintained and there was plenty to do in the area. Visiting the bathhouses was fun, and the free tour of the Fordyce Bathhouse with Ranger Lisa was excellent! Definitely stop by Superior Brewing at the end of the row!
Hot Springs National Park offers a quaint setting with its historic town charm, but overall, it didn't live up to my expectations. The Arlington Resort Hotel was particularly disappointing, contributing to an underwhelming experience. Additionally, the hiking trails, including the Sunset Trail, offered views that were less impressive than anticipated, resembling something closer to what I might find in my own backyard. While the park has its merits for those in the area, I would recommend exploring other national parks if you're looking for a more memorable adventure. As for lodging, I'd suggest staying clear of the Arlington Resort.
Nice how the park is setup and part of the town. Different from the other parks we have been to. But what makes it unique. If you want something in one of the bath houses it’s best to reserve it a week or two in advance. The views from the top of the tower were spectacular.
Interesting national park with a city in it. Unlike any other. Highly commercialized and congested. The tour of bath house row is nice, and a stroll behind it on the Grand Promenade is nice. Parking to do these things is a hassle and often cannot be found without paying for metered parking or walking miles. If you like to shop, enjoy restaurants, and don't mind the vehicle congestion, then swing by. The mountain trails are not easily found. The "easy" ones are not easy, especially if you have any sort of limitations. I'm glad to have popped in for a few days, though I spent most of my time here at Lake Ouachita and Lake Catherine State Parks, a 30 and 15 minute drive, respectively, from Hot Springs NP.
Such a cool National Park, and the only one I know of that is situated on the main street of a town. The history of these springs is really interesting as they have been popular for bathing for over 10,000 years when Native Americans flocked to the area, but you might want to visit this park before the springs run out due to climate change. We visited for the Solar Eclipse, and it was a wonderful experience to hike around the park amidst so much greenery and all the little streams. The welcome center for this park is an historic bath house that they preserved into a museum, and we enjoyed exploring it and learning about the wellness culture that helped create the town of Hot Springs, AR. Highly recommend visiting this National Park, and I hope we'll come back again!
My husband and I made a weekend trip to this park for my birthday, and we really enjoyed our time. It is unlike most national parks, but that doesn't make it bad. We did a private couples bath at Quapaw, and it was really nice. Lots of walking trails at this park, and it is extremely dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed inside many establishments in town.
This is not one of the most spectacular National Parks, but it is worth a stop. The architecture is fabulous. In the spring and fall, the area around the park is gorgeous! The tower is a great way to see over the tops of the trees and get a different perspective of the area. If it is windy below the tower, it is extra windy on top of the tower. You can feel it sway. You are allowed to take your tripod if you are a photographer.
Small mountains afford some nice views after a brief mildly strenuous climb. Gulpha Gorge State Park is a nice spot though close to a well traveled sloping road so you will hear some trucker air brakes. The town is cozy at least in the off season and of course the water is the main attraction, whether at a bath house or just filling up your bottles.
Quick Facts About Hot Springs National Park
Today
Opening Hours
| Monday | 05:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 05:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 05:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 05:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 05:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 05:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 05:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
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