About 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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Arkansas. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
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.
Activities
Current Alerts
Due to high fire danger, Hot Springs National Park has enacted a BURN BAN, August 15, 2026. Only gas and charcoal grills are currently allowed for use in the campground and picnic areas.
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Goat Rock Trail
The Goat Rock trail offers stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains and the recharge zone for the thermal springs. Limited…
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…
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…
Oak Trail
The northeastern end of Oak Trail is mostly flat. The trail is fairly steep for a short distance between West…
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…
Honeysuckle Trail
Honeysuckle Trail connects Peak Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail.
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Short Cut Trail
Short Cut Trail connects Oertel Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail near the picnic area atop Hot Springs Mountain.
West Mountain Trail
Both sections of West Mountain Trail have gradual change in elevation. Note: West Mountain Trail can be made into a loop by…
Whittington Trail
The flat, gravel trail is popular with joggers and walkers. Whittington Trail loops around Whittington Park.
Mountain Top Trail
Mountaintop trail can be linked with Canyon Trail and West Mountain trail to complete a loop around West Mountain. If hiking southward,…
Canyon Trail
The West Mountain trails can be reached from downtown via Canyon Trail. The trailhead is behind the Mountain Valley Water building. The…
Pullman Trail
The Pullman Trail is the only trail in the park that allows bicycles. This moderate trail passes an archeological site and connects…
Upper Dogwood Trail
Upper Dogwood trail has short rises and long stretches of flat trail. It can be combined with the Lower Dogwood Trail or…
Lower Dogwood Trail
Lower Dogwood Trail climbs North Mountain. Near the top, boulders mark the westernmost tip of the trail. From there, the trail drops…
Arlington Trail
Ask for directions to the trailhead from staff at the Arlington Hotel lobby. Arlington Trail will connect with Lower Dogwood Trail.
Floral Trail
Floral Trail connects Lower Dogwood Trail and Honeysuckle Trail. From either trailhead you will descend into a valley and climb the other…
Gulpha Gorge Trail
Gulpha Gorge Trail connects the Gulpha Gorge Campground to many of the park's trails. The trail going west from the campground is…
Tufa Terrace Trail
This paved trail can be reached from the Grand Promenade or Arlington Lawn. The lower portion of the Tufa Terrace Trail is…
Showing 18 of 36 NPS Things to Do records available for 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…
Campgrounds
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…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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