The United States is home to over 60 beautiful and diverse national parks, and there are even more designations for public land that don’t fit under this umbrella — such as national monuments and national lakeshores. But of the parks, there’s one that stands out as the most underrated. Dismissed for its small size, proximity to urban development, and seemingly lack of lush land, Hot Springs National Park is consistently rated low on lists of national parks many people want to visit. But is it all just a facade? Does Hot Springs have more to offer than what meets the eye? Is it maybe just one of the most underrated national parks in the United States?
Nestled near the city of Hot Springs is Hot Springs National Park. This land has been around for hundreds of years, drawing people in with its thermal waters, mountain views, and fertile forests. Based on geology alone, Hot Springs National Park is the oldest of the United States national parks. It’s also the smallest. Which means, that while the land is distinct and beautiful, there’s a not a lot of it to go around. It doesn’t offer as many hiking trails as the Great Smoky Mountains or as many campgrounds and cabins as Yellowstone. And for some, the lack of available activities or exciting exploration leaves a want for something more that this park just can’t satisfy.
Hot Springs, the national park, is also located right along the edge of Hot Springs, the city. So close, in fact, that it’s hard to tell where the city ends and the park begins. And I’ll admit, it’s hard to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors when the nearest gas station or superstore is right down the street. Or when you can constantly see and hear people dining or shopping at one of the restaurants or stores right along the main street, which runs through the park.
Visiting Hot Springs isn’t the same as visiting Isle Royale. It isn’t remote or untouched, and can often feel like a plot of land just waiting for new development to arrive and strip it all away. And this can be an unexpected disappointment to some who have this pristine picture of what a national park should look and feel like. But every national park is different. Some are almost entirely covered by water — think Kenai Fjords or Biscayne. Some showcase different environments — think Hawaii Volcanoes or Arches. And some just provide us with new ways of appreciating nature.
Like Hot Springs. Whose focal point rests in its hot springs instead of its access to serene hiking trails or thrilling outdoor adventures. Visitors can experience these warm waters by drinking it through one of the many available drinking fountains or bathing in it at one of the bathhouses. Of the eight bathhouses in existence on the aptly-named Bathhouse Row, two are still operational. People can come and soak in one of the public baths or book private treatments through the spa. A few of the other bathhouses are still open for business in other ways — one as the park’s visitor center, another as a brewery.
On the other side of Bathhouse Row you can find more modern amenities, such as restaurants, stores, hotels, and more. This area isn’t just for park visitors. Locals have been known to frequent this “downtown area,” and some fan favorite spots can even be found here.
So maybe Hot Springs National Park isn’t your stereotypical idea of a national park. But does that necessarily make it less appealing? I guess it’s all about perspective. Hot Springs is approachable. You can take your time exploring without feeling like you’re missing out on something. There is still access to several trails of varying lengths, fit for any kind of hiker. And it offers its own mark on the world of outdoor recreation and appreciation — its eponymous hot springs. Its proximity to city development might serve as a comfort for those who might not be as confident in the great outdoors as others. Which ultimately makes experiencing the wilderness that much more accessible for a wider population. Hot Springs has a lot to offer. So don’t dismiss it. And definitely don’t forget to plan a visit sometime soon either.
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