Park Hours (Today)
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the 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.
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What to See & Do
Goat Rock Trail
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.
Become a Hot Springs Junior Ranger
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.
Camp at the Gulpha Gorge Campground
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.
Oak Trail
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.
An Overview: Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails
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
Honeysuckle Trail connects Peak Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail.
Self-Guided Tours
Hidden Hot Springs: A Walking Tour of the Park as Told Through the Springs
Dozens of springs cover the lower slopes of Hot Springs Mountain. However, most are hidden after two centuries of development and efforts to keep the water clean for consumption. This 1-mile loop along Bathhouse Row, to Happy Hollow Spring, and back along the Grand Promenade reveals the stories and images of some of the hottest, most famed springs from the 19th century. Along the way, you’ll learn about the hydrology and the cultural significance of the springs that help explain the park you see today.
Explore Hot Springs National Park
Walk along Bathhouse Row and then take a scenic drive to take in the sights and learn more about Hot Springs National Park.
Visitor Centers
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum
The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum is a restored historic bathhouse with exhibits and interpretive films. Park staff is on-site to offer visitor information and public programming.
Where to Stay
Gulpha Gorge Campground
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. Camping in Gulpha Gorge Campground is limited to a total of 14 consecutive days and a cumulative total of 30 days in any calendar year. Each 14 day consecutive stay must be followed by a minimum of a 7 day break.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
From Little Rock: Take I-30W towards Texarkana. Exit 111 for US 70W/Hot Springs. Turn Right onto Spring St. Turn Right onto Central Ave. Drive North, the Park will be on the right after Reserve St. From Texarkana: Take 1-30E. Exit 78 for AR-7 and turn left under the highway. Follow AR-7 North for 31 miles. AR-7 becomes Central Ave., the Park will be on the right after Reserve Street.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Hot Springs National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Operating Hours
Public Areas and Park Roads
Arlington Lawn, Grand Promenade, sidewalks on Bathhouse Row, Reserve Street, and Fountain Street, except for walk through traffic, are open from to 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, daily. Roads to Hot Springs Mountain, North Mountain and West Mountain Summit are open to vehicle traffic from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- Monday5:00AM - 10:00PM
- Tuesday5:00AM - 10:00PM
- Wednesday5:00AM - 10:00PM
- Thursday5:00AM - 10:00PM
- Friday5:00AM - 10:00PM
- Saturday5:00AM - 10:00PM
- Sunday5:00AM - 10:00PM
Photos
Misty water evaporating from a cascade
A sky view of large bathhouse buildings
Stone entrance pillars in front of a row of four bathouses
A person hikes through a deep green forest.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Hot Springs
These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.