Hot Springs National Park, in western Arkansas, can be reached from the north and south via scenic SR 7, as well as via US 70 from the east and US 270 from both the east and west.
In the picturesque Ouachita (WASH-i-taw) Mountains, Hot Springs differs sharply from the country's other scenic national parks in that portions of it are nearly surrounded by a sizable city. Its 5,839 acres occupy the slopes of Hot Springs, Music, North, West, Sugarloaf and Indian mountains.
The thermal water that flows from the springs is naturally sterile. It begins as rainwater, is absorbed into the mountains northeast of the park and is carried 4,000-8,000 feet underground, where the earth's extreme heat raises its temperature to 143 F. The purified water makes its way back to the surface through cracks and pores in the rock in the form of hot springs. The entire process takes about 4,000 years.
The first European to visit the hot springs is believed to have been Hernando de Soto in 1541. According to legend, the beneficial qualities of the water were known to the American Indians long before the Spaniards arrived. It is said that they declared this area neutral ground, available to all on peaceful terms.
In 1832, because of tourism brought on by the water's perceived medicinal properties, the federal government set aside the springs and surrounding area as the country's first park-type federal reservation. In 1921 Hot Springs became a national park, the country's eighteenth. Numerous bathhouses, eight of which still stand along a portion of Central Avenue known as Bathhouse Row, catered to thousands of health seekers. The popularity of the springs began to decrease in the 1950s, but the springs still attract many visitors.
The springs are found along the west slope of Hot Springs Mountain. Within about 10 acres there are 47 springs with a daily flow that varies from 750,000 to 950,000 gallons. The water is collected into one central system and distributed to bathhouses and the drinking and jug fountains near the corner of Central and Reserve. The standard tub baths can be taken by applying at any of the bathhouses. Options, at no extra cost, include showers, sitz tubs, vapor cabinets and hot packs.
Prescription baths may be taken only by application to a registered physician. Three bathhouses, the Buckstaff, Fordyce and the Libbey Memorial Physical Medicine Center, operate within the park; the latter has pools and specialized equipment and offers pool baths and prescribed physical therapy. Other bathhouses in the park are managed in connection with city hotels; prices vary according to equipment and available accommodations.
The park has 10 miles of good mountain roads for sightseeing by car, as well as extensive walking and horse trails for outdoor enthusiasts; the trails are open daily year-round. Interpretive programs are presented from mid-June to mid-August; phone for schedule. Note: Because of sharp switchbacks, vehicles more than 30 feet long cannot negotiate Hot Springs Mountain Drive.
Fall and spring offer displays of flowering trees, shrubs and colorful foliage. Limited programs are available at these times. Nearby Catherine, Hamilton and Ouachita lakes offer fishing.
ADMISSION to the park is free.
PETS are permitted in the park only if they are leashed, crated or otherwise physically restricted at all times.
ADDRESS inquiries to the Park Superintendent, P.O. Box 1860, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71902; phone (501) 624-3383.
In the picturesque Ouachita (WASH-i-taw) Mountains, Hot Springs differs sharply from the country's other scenic national parks in that portions of it are nearly surrounded by a sizable city. Its 5,839 acres occupy the slopes of Hot Springs, Music, North, West, Sugarloaf and Indian mountains.
The thermal water that flows from the springs is naturally sterile. It begins as rainwater, is absorbed into the mountains northeast of the park and is carried 4,000-8,000 feet underground, where the earth's extreme heat raises its temperature to 143 F. The purified water makes its way back to the surface through cracks and pores in the rock in the form of hot springs. The entire process takes about 4,000 years.
The first European to visit the hot springs is believed to have been Hernando de Soto in 1541. According to legend, the beneficial qualities of the water were known to the American Indians long before the Spaniards arrived. It is said that they declared this area neutral ground, available to all on peaceful terms.
In 1832, because of tourism brought on by the water's perceived medicinal properties, the federal government set aside the springs and surrounding area as the country's first park-type federal reservation. In 1921 Hot Springs became a national park, the country's eighteenth. Numerous bathhouses, eight of which still stand along a portion of Central Avenue known as Bathhouse Row, catered to thousands of health seekers. The popularity of the springs began to decrease in the 1950s, but the springs still attract many visitors.
The springs are found along the west slope of Hot Springs Mountain. Within about 10 acres there are 47 springs with a daily flow that varies from 750,000 to 950,000 gallons. The water is collected into one central system and distributed to bathhouses and the drinking and jug fountains near the corner of Central and Reserve. The standard tub baths can be taken by applying at any of the bathhouses. Options, at no extra cost, include showers, sitz tubs, vapor cabinets and hot packs.
Prescription baths may be taken only by application to a registered physician. Three bathhouses, the Buckstaff, Fordyce and the Libbey Memorial Physical Medicine Center, operate within the park; the latter has pools and specialized equipment and offers pool baths and prescribed physical therapy. Other bathhouses in the park are managed in connection with city hotels; prices vary according to equipment and available accommodations.
The park has 10 miles of good mountain roads for sightseeing by car, as well as extensive walking and horse trails for outdoor enthusiasts; the trails are open daily year-round. Interpretive programs are presented from mid-June to mid-August; phone for schedule. Note: Because of sharp switchbacks, vehicles more than 30 feet long cannot negotiate Hot Springs Mountain Drive.
Fall and spring offer displays of flowering trees, shrubs and colorful foliage. Limited programs are available at these times. Nearby Catherine, Hamilton and Ouachita lakes offer fishing.
ADMISSION to the park is free.
PETS are permitted in the park only if they are leashed, crated or otherwise physically restricted at all times.
ADDRESS inquiries to the Park Superintendent, P.O. Box 1860, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71902; phone (501) 624-3383.
= Requires AAA Membership for access.