Every place you need to go at the park

Hot Springs is home to one of the oldest national parks in the United States.  The bathhouses alone date back to the late 1890s. While they are must see at the park, they aren’t the only place to explore.  Let’s take a look at each area you should go.

Bathhouse Row

Right in the middle of town? That’s not where you find most national parks, but the Bathhouse Row area of Hot Springs National Park is.  Take a look at this MAP for a wide view of the entire park and you’ll see what I mean. One good thing (although there are many) about being in town is that there is good parking available. The city offers a free parking garage that is directly across from the bathhouses.  They also have a limited number of RV parking spaces on the south end of the row near the administration building.

There are 8 bathhouses on Bathhouse Row plus the administration building.  Each building has its own unique features and experiences.  If you have time during your adventure, take a look at them all.  We’d highly encourage seeing Fordyce, Buckstaff, and Lamar.

Superior

Built in 1916
smallest bathhouse on the row
Bathhouse Details

Hale

Built in 1892
oldest surviving bathhouse on the row
Bathhouse Details

Maurice

Built in 1912
third floor views of the row
Bathhouse Details

Fordyce

Built in 1915
home to the park visitor center
Bathhouse Details

Quapaw

Built in 1922
decorative tile dome
Bathhouse Details

Ozark

Built in 1922
sample the healing water
Bathhouse Details

Buckstaff

Built in 1912
only continuously operational bathhouse on the row
Bathhouse Details

Lamar

Built in 1923
home of the national park store
Bathhouse Details

Administration Building

Built in 1936
park headquarters
Bathhouse Row Details

Grand Promenade

Just behind the bathhouses is the Grand Promenade.  It is a fully paved 0.5 mile trail that is an excellent way to see the park.  Make sure you stop by the Display Spring on your walk.  It’s located directly behind the Maurice Bathhouse.  You’ll find this area to be very peaceful with the water flowing…as long as there aren’t too many people around.

North Mountain

While you’re at Bathhouse Row, you’ll be happy to know that you are at the foot of the North Mountain.  Hiking a trail, visiting the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, and enjoying some fresh water from a spring are all things you can enjoy on the mountain.  

Peak Trail

Peak Trail

0.6 miles with 400ft of elevation gain
Trail Info

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Observation deck at 1,256 feet
Tower Info

Goat Rock Trail

Goat Rock Trail

1.1 miles with an elevation gain between 886 - 1067ft
Trail Info

Whittington Park

Once you’re done on the North Mountain you’ll want to head over to the West Mountain, but first, make a stop at Whittington Park.  It’s a great little area with a cold spring and access to the hiking trails up the mountain.

West Mountain

Take the West Mountain Drive up to the summit and enjoy the views.  There are a few pull offs you can stop at for extra sites and you may even spot the Tower across the way.

Ricks Pond

This is a lesser know, but amazing area of Hot Springs National Park.  On the park map, it is shown as Ricks Pond, but has a few other names including Fordyce or Stonebridge Area.  Regardless of what you know it as, make sure you go over and check out the waterfall and pond.  

Gulpha Gorge Campground

Hopefully, you have gotten the chance to stay at the campground on this national park trip.  It is a very nice campground with great sites, full hook ups and Gulpha Creek running through.  You can make reservations HERE for a site.  This campground is on the smaller side so turns can be tight navigating to your site.  Make sure to check the campground map and details so you know what is right for you and your rig.  If you’re not staying in the campground, come over to the area anyway.  They have a nice spot for a picnic and trails that lead to all sides of the park.

Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations.  These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.

Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Hot Springs National Park or the National Park Service.

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