Hot Springs National Park
Activities
Hiking
There are approximately 26 miles of day-use hiking trails in the park (mountain bikes are prohibited). The Sunset Trail, is the park's longest trail and a very worthy hike. It loops around the the ridge line above the park and the city, offering a rare opportunity to get away from it all while in close proximity to civilization. The trail crosses the summit of Music Mountain, which, at 1,405 feet, is the highest point in the park. A short spur path off the trail takes the hiker to Balanced Rock, an old Indian novaculite quarry.
Most of the other trails are short, ranging from 270 feet to a mile or so. Wildflower walks, birding walks and other special hikes may be scheduled throughout the year. For a spectacular view of Hot Springs visit the 216-foot Hot Springs Mountain Tower atop Hot Springs Mountain. If you climb the stairs rather than take the elevator, it still counts as hiking.
Wildlife Viewing
The Hot Springs are on the lower western side of Hot Springs Mountain, opposite the southern end of the horseshoe. Dense forests of oak, hickory, and short-leaf pine dominate this region. Flowering trees are also common, and successive seasons have displays of colored leaves and abundant flowers. Redbud and dogwood bloom in the early spring, gracing the understory of the pine and hardwood woodlands. Song birds and small animals are abundant in the forest. Herp lovers are especially in for a treat. The park and environs is home to an extraordinary number of snakes, lizards, frogs and turtles.
The extensive bird list for Hot Springs catalogs a wide range of habitats, including forests, wetlands, meadows and urban areas. Be on the lookout for an interesting variety of woodpeckers, warblers, finches, owls, ducks and vireos.
Scenic Driving
The area in and around Hot Springs is laced with pleasantly scenic drives. Within the park there are two main drives. Hot Springs Mountain Drive is a 4.5 mile loop that starts on Fountain Street. Along the way you can stop at Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the 0.7 mile leg-stretcher Goat Rock trail, which passes through some gorgeous wildflower meadows on the way to a massive rock outcrop.
The longer West Mountain Drive turns off of Whittington Avenue. You'll find many scenic pullouts along the way and trailheads for the Sunset Trail, the park's longest hiking trail.
Taking the Waters
Despite the decline, bathing continues to be a popular pastime. A full range of options is available today: tub and pool baths, shower steam cabinet, hot and cold packs, whirlpool, and massage. The bathhouses are operated by private concessionaires or special use permit holders who provide services in accordance with regulations and inspections by the National Park Service. Call the park for information about rates and services.
You don't have to go for full immersion. The waters have a pleasant taste and smell. Traces of minerals combined with a temperature of 143 degrees F, are credited with giving the waters therapeutic properties. Waters from the cold springs, which have different chemical components and properties, are also used for drinking. And hey, it's free. So bring along a few extra water bottles and stock up.
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