Hot Springs National Park

Day 1: Hot Springs National Park

Viewpoints, Hikes & Historic Bathhouses

Gulpha Gorge Trail

Growler

Hot Springs

Hot Springs

• If you’re camping, check in at Hot Springs KOA and set up your tent or camper first to avoid doing it in the dark.

• Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda – Free viewpoint of the Ouachita Mountains.

• Hot Springs Mountain Tower – Small fee ($13 GA) for panoramic views.

• Gulpha Gorge Campground — explore Gulpha Creek and the unique bridges over the river.

• Hike Gulpha Gorge Trail (1.2 miles out and back) and Goat Rock & Upper Dogwood Trail (2.5-mile loop).

• Stop at Goat Rock Viewpoint for an elevated mountain view. Trail Info.

• Lunch at Superior Bathhouse Brewery. Eat outside on the patio and try a beer or root beer brewed with local thermal spring water. Grab a souvenir growler!

• Stop by the Hot Springs National Park sign and walk the Grand Promenade behind the bathhouses.

• Look for steam rising from the natural vents and explore the outdoor thermal spring fountains:

  •  In front of the Libby Memorial Physical Medicine Center

  •  In front of the National Park Service Administration Building

  •  Between the Hale and Maurice Bathhouses (Dripping Spring also here)

  •  Noble Fountain on Reserve St.

  •  Shell Fountain on Stevens Balustrade

  •  Outside the park at Hill Wheatley Plaza on Central Ave

Refill Stations

• Happy Hollow Spring

• Whittington Spring

Touch the Hot Springs

• Display Spring (behind Maurice Bathhouse)

• Hot Water Cascade at Arlington Lawn (largest)

• Fordyce Fountains

Optional Soak

• Buckstaff Bathhouse

• Quapaw Baths & Spa

Dinner & Camp

• Eat dinner in town or cook at your campsite.

Day 2: Lake Ouachita State Park

Lakeside Hike & Diamond Hunting Adventure

• Drive to Lake Ouachita State Park.

• Hike the Caddo Bend Trail (4-mile loop) through pine forest with beautiful lake views.

• Head to Hot Springs for lunch before continuing to the next park.

Afternoon at Crater of Diamonds State Park

• Crater of Diamonds State Park.

• Pay a small entry fee (book in advance in summer months) and search for real diamonds — you can keep what you find!

• Park is open until 4 PM daily, so plan your morning hike accordingly.

• Return to Hot Springs for dinner and relax at your accommodation.

Day 3: Crystal Mining in Jessieville

Ron Cole Mining

Quartz Crystal Digging & Farewell to Hot Springs

• Ron Coleman Mining.

• Arrive early for the best chance to find large quartz crystals.

• Bring your own hand trowel and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

• The staff dump truckloads of dirt from inside the mines for visitors to sift through — you can keep what you find!

• Have lunch in town before starting your drive home or heading to the airport.

Ron Cole Mining