Hot Springs National Park
Yesterday was day 2 of my drive from Chattanooga to Austin. Since the total drive time is approximately 14 hours (not counting stops!), I split the trip into 2.5 days to make it more manageable.
One of my goals for this road trip is to visit as many national parks as possible. I’ve done a lot of international travel, but I haven’t explored much of the amazing places right here in my own backyard. I’ve only been to two national parks so far… kinda embarrassing.
Roughly halfway between Chattanooga and Austin is Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, which seemed like a perfect stop for me and Bella to stretch our legs and explore.
When we got to the park, I got a little lost trying to find parking because it was so dang busy! But everything happens for a reason, because I accidentally ended up the Hot Springs Mountain Drive which was a gorgeous scenic loop drive. It included switchbacks that lead up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, with views of the park and the surrounding mountains. We saw several groups hiking the trails that branch off the road, and I considered hopping out but Bella was feeling a bit nervy because it was a lot of people. So, we enjoyed the views from the car until we looped back to the start of the drive.
Back at the base of the mountain, we hopped out and saw the Hot Water Cascade, which is the largest visible spring in the park. A couple fun facts that I learned:
The water here is nearly 4,000 years old and has attracted health seekers for centuries! Native American tribes used this natural hot water in medicinal capacities, and then in the 1800s, people came to the springs for the supposed healing benefits of the water.
This is essentially America's oldest national park, predating Yellowstone by 40 years.
The water is apparently safe to drink and monitored to US standards for safe drinking water because the high temp of the water kills harmful bacteria, but after Richmond’s recent water disaster, I wasn’t exactly eager to give it a try lol
Just steps away from the cascade, we found ourselves on Bathhouse Row. The historic street is lined with magnolia trees and stunning, intricate bathhouses. I would LOVE to come back to soak in the Roman-style thermal pools and treat myself to spa services like massages and make an entire weekend out of it.
We also walked past Superior Bathhouse Brewery which is the only brewery located in a national park, and the only one in the world that uses thermal spring water to brew its beer. Unfortunately, since it was a beautiful and sunny Sunday, the patio was packed, and we needed to hit the road, so I didn’t get the chance to stop for a drink. 😔 Next time for sure!!!
Hot Springs is a unique experience unlike any other national park in the country. Although we had just a few hours, I’m glad it was my first NP stop on this road trip, because the health and wellness vibes are right up my alley!
