
Ranger-curated one-day highlights itinerary for Hot Springs National Park.
Itinerary
Ranger-curated Hot Springs day focused on bathhouse history, easy hikes, and thermal highlights.
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center
Start with the ranger exhibits and historic bathhouse tours.
Check museum hours and ranger program schedules.
Bathhouse Row stroll
Visit the America’s National Parks™ Store at Hot Springs National Park to shop a curated selection of quality educational products and books that will help extend the park experience. Explore products in person or at the America’s National Parks™ Online Store. Your purchases in the park and online directly support educational programs at this park.
Easy walk past historic bathhouses and gardens.
Great for morning light and fewer crowds.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is operated as a concession for the park. The tower's upper observation deck is open-air and at an elevation of 1,256 feet above sea level. From there, visitors may overlook 140 square miles of surrounding countryside, including the entire park and a portion of the Ouachita Mountains.
Short drive and elevator ride for panoramic views.
Clear days offer the best visibility.
Grand Promenade trail
The Grand Promenade is a National Recreation Trail that runs parrallell to bathhouse row, behind the bathhouses. It's about a half mile long and made entierly out of brick. The inspiration for its design came from the Prado, a pedestrain walkway in Havana, Cuba. Along with it being a great place to walk, it also ofers many benches, tables, and even a table for playing chess.
Shaded path above Bathhouse Row.
Nice mid-day walk in the shade.
Quapaw or Buckstaff Bathhouse soak
Orginally opened in 1912, the Buckstaff is the only facility on the Row that has never fully closed since it first started offering baths. For information about services, rates, and reservations, please visit their website (www.buckstaffbaths.com) or call them directly at (501) 623-2308.
Book a bathhouse session for the classic Hot Springs experience.
Reservations recommended on weekends.
Sunset at Balanced Rock overlook
Balanced Rock is located on Sugarloaf Mountain along Sunset Trail between Blacksnake and Cedarglades Road. It's a huge novaculite outcrop with a great view.
Short drive with a gentle overlook view.
Arrive early for parking.
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1
Day
6
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moderate
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