← Back to Search

Hot Springs National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: Arkansas

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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.

🌤 Weather Information

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 the most rainfall. Generally, Hot Springs experiences mild weather throughout the year.

🚗 Directions

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.

Images

A pink sky above gentle white buildings

Bathhouse Row as the sun sets

Credit: Mitch Smith

Misty water evaporating from a cascade

The Arlington Lawn holds a beautiful thermal cascade

Credit: Mitch Smith

A sky view of large bathhouse buildings

The Waters offers a great view of bathhouse row

Credit: Mitch Smith

Stone entrance pillars in front of a row of four bathouses

Visitors and patients come to take the thermal waters

Credit: NPS photo

Close up of a hiking boot on the trail a hiker in the distance

Hot Springs National Park has 26 miles of hiking trails to explore.

Credit: NPS Photo

Hiker sits at the edge of the creek, with a bridge in the background

Visitors hike and enjoy the cool shady places in the park.

Credit: NPS photo

Stone bridge surrounded by brilliant yellow and green leaves

The park is beautiful year round

Credit: NPS photo Mark David Artist In Residence 2015

A stone tough in a green forest with water flowing down

Along the hiking trails of Hot Springs Mountain are active troughs for directing the thermal water

Credit: Mitch Smith

women sitting on the stone wall at the hot water cascade as the vapor rises

The natural curiosity of the thermal water can be seen and experienced

Credit: NPS photo

Sun setting over rolling hills

Along Sunset Trail is the spectacular view over Balanced Rock

Credit: Mitch Smith

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Monday
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Tuesday
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Wednesday
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Thursday
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Friday
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Saturday
5:00AM - 10:00PM

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Thursday, May 21

Heavy rain

Heavy rain

High: 76.8°F | Low: 63°F

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 9.2 mph

Rain Chance: 82%

UV Index: 0

Sunrise: 06:06 AM

Sunset: 08:12 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (24%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 65.7°F

Cloud Cover: 82%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, May 22

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 80.1°F | Low: 64.9°F

Humidity: 89%

Wind: 8.3 mph

Rain Chance: 90%

UV Index: 5

Sunrise: 06:05 AM

Sunset: 08:13 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (34%)

Visibility: 3 mi

Dew Point: 68.4°F

Cloud Cover: 90%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, May 23

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 86.2°F | Low: 61.2°F

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 8.3 mph

Rain Chance: 88%

UV Index: 5

Sunrise: 06:05 AM

Sunset: 08:14 PM

Moon: First Quarter (45%)

Visibility: 3 mi

Dew Point: 68.8°F

Cloud Cover: 88%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Temporary Closure of West Mountain Summit Drive Information
West Mountain Summit will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The drive may be closed through the end of the day.
Ice on Forested Trails Caution
Ice and snow may be present on some forested trails in the park. Please exercise caution when evaluating whether you are prepared to hike in the park. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Visitor Center Closed Information
The Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and Visitor Center will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, and reopen Friday, January 2, 2026. Comfort stations may also be closed. Park roads and trails will remain open. Please check with local businesses for their holiday hours.
Burn Ban in Effect Caution
BURN BAN in Gulpha Gorge Campground within Hot Springs National Park, under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. This temporary public use closure is in response to drought conditions within the area. No campfires of any kind are allowed. Gas and/or charcoal grills are currently allowed. This closure will take effect March 26, 2026, at 12:00pm and will remain in effect until further notice.

Park Events

Ranger Guided Walk (Outdoor)

Join a ranger for a free, 45-minute outdoor tour of Bathhouse Row, the thermal springs, and the downtown area of Hot Springs National Park! Themes and topics vary by ranger. No reservations are required. 

Date: Nov 13, 2025 12:00am to May 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Fordyce Tour

Join a Ranger tour through the Fordyce Bathhouse to learn about the history of the Great American Spa era that made Hot Springs National Park the leading public health and leisure resort in the United States. Themes and topics vary by ranger, no reservations required.

 

Location: This tour takes place with the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum at 369 Central Avenue.

Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Hot Springs Hikes

Reconnect with Nature: A Hike for Mental Health Awareness

We invite you to join us on a journey through Hot Springs National Park on April 11th! This special Ranger-guided hike is designed not only to immerse you in the beauty of the park but also to highlight the importance of our mental health.

In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to unwind in nature can significantly uplift our mood and overall well-being. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors reduces stress, enhances creativity, and improves our mental clarity.

The hike will start on the porch of the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum at 10am to hike up Peak Trail to Hot Springs Mountain and back, about 1.2 miles total and moderately strenuous. There will be a special activity in honor of National Poetry month. Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, and friends or family!

Details:
Date: April 11th
Time: 10:00-12:00
Meeting Point: Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center front porch.
What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks.

No reservations required.

Please email hosp_park_information@nps.gov for more information.

Location: Fordyce Bathhouse

Date: Jan 10, 2026 12:00am to Dec 12, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Fordyce Tour

Join a Ranger tour through the Fordyce Bathhouse to learn about the history of the Great American Spa era that made Hot Springs National Park the leading public health and leisure resort in the United States. Themes and topics vary by ranger, no reservations required.

 

Location: This tour takes place with the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum at 369 Central Avenue.

Date: Jan 12, 2026 12:00am to Jan 12, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service

Celebrate the MLK Jr Day holiday with a day of service and park clean up. Join rangers from 9-12a on Saturday, January 17.

The program meets at Arlington Lawn.

Bring sturdy shoes and water.

Location: Begin at Arlington Lawn.

Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Park Chats

Join park rangers and guest speakers for 1-hour in-depth presentations of the stories of America's oldest national park.

 

April's presentation about the "Other Lewis and Clark" expedition will discuss the Hunter and Dunbar Expedition to Hot Springs in 1804 and 1805.

Location: Garland County Library

Date: Jan 28, 2026 12:00am to Jan 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Fordyce Tour

Join a Ranger tour through the Fordyce Bathhouse to learn about the history of the Great American Spa era that made Hot Springs National Park the leading public health and leisure resort in the United States. Themes and topics vary by ranger, no reservations required.

 

Location: This tour takes place with the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum at 369 Central Avenue.

Date: Mar 22, 2026 12:00am to May 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Preserving the Natural State

Free family event on Arlington Lawn will feature booths representing landmanagement and preservation agencies.

As the oldest protected resource in the Natural State, Hot Springs will host federal, state, local, and non-profit groups who protect natural areas in Arkansas and share the legacy of preservationists who have contributed to the state across generations.

Location: Arlington Lawn

Date: Apr 18, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Hot Springs Junior Ranger Day

Part of the National Junior Ranger Day celebration to kick of National Park Week. The event will include multiple activity areas and large swearing in ceremonies.

Location: Various locations around Bathhouse Row

Date: Apr 19, 2026 12:00am to Apr 19, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Hot Springs Birthday

Join rangers at the Fordyce Bathhouse for an informal 194th birthday celebration of America's oldest federal park.

Location: Fordyce Bathhouse

Date: Apr 20, 2026 12:00am to Apr 20, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
369 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901

🏤 Mailing Address:
101 Reserve Street
Hot Springs, AR 71901

📞 Voice Phone: 5016206715

📞 Fax Phone: 5016206779

✉️ Email: hosp_park_information@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
Loading fun fact...