There is just one national park in Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park, a compact, history-rich park tucked into the Ouachita Mountains where 47 thermal springs flow beneath a walkable downtown. If you are counting only capital-N "National Parks," Arkansas has exactly one, and it happens to be one of the oldest protected areas in the country.
How many national parks are in Arkansas?
Arkansas has one national park, Hot Springs National Park. The land was set aside as a federal reservation in 1832, four decades before Yellowstone, and was redesignated a national park in 1921. The National Park Service also manages other sites in the state, but Hot Springs is the only unit carrying the full "National Park" title. You can see how it fits into the wider region on our Arkansas parks guide and the full national parks directory.
What makes Hot Springs National Park special?
Hot Springs is unusual because the park wraps around a working town. Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark district, lines Central Avenue with eight early-1900s bathhouses. Two, Buckstaff and Quapaw, still offer thermal baths today, while the Fordyce serves as the park visitor center. Behind the row, forested mountains rise with quiet trails, making this the rare park where you can soak in 143°F spring water and hike the same afternoon.
What are the best things to do in Hot Springs?
Start at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center to see restored 1915 interiors, then walk the Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row. Fill a bottle at the free public thermal fountains, drive or hike to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for a 360-degree view, and take a traditional soak at Buckstaff. History buffs should not miss the display springs, where you can see and feel the water emerging from the ground.
What are the best hikes in Hot Springs?
The park has about 26 miles of trails, most short and family-friendly. The Grand Promenade Trail is a flat, paved half-mile stroll. For a bit more effort, the Hot Springs Mountain Trail loops roughly 1.7 miles through hardwood forest with tower access, and the Sunset Trail is the park's longest at around 10 miles for those wanting a real workout. Trails connect directly to downtown, so you rarely need to drive.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall are ideal, with mild temperatures and, in fall, strong color across the Ouachitas. Summer is warm and humid but the thermal features stay popular year-round, and winter is quiet with the bathhouses still open. Because the park sits inside a city, lodging, dining, and parking are easy compared with remote western parks.
How do you get to Hot Springs National Park?
Hot Springs is about an hour southwest of Little Rock, making it an easy day trip or weekend. Travelers building a wider Mid-South road trip often pair it with Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri or push south toward Big Bend in Texas. See more state-by-state options in our states directory.
FAQ
How many national parks are in Arkansas?
Exactly one: Hot Springs National Park. It is the only site in Arkansas designated a full national park, though the National Park Service manages additional historic and recreational sites in the state.
Is Hot Springs National Park worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy history, easy hiking, and thermal spa culture in one walkable place. It is small, but the mix of preserved bathhouses and forested trails is unlike any other national park.
Can you actually bathe in the hot springs?
Not in the natural springs themselves, which are protected, but you can take a supervised thermal bath at the Buckstaff or Quapaw bathhouses using the same spring water. Check current-year hours and pricing before you go.
How much time do you need at Hot Springs?
A half to full day covers Bathhouse Row, a short hike, and a soak. Two days lets you add the longer Sunset Trail and nearby lakes.