Hot Springs itinerary

What to do with one to three days in Hot Springs National Park.

By The Green Adventures · Updated Nov 1, 2026 · How we check

Here is how to spend one to three days in Hot Springs, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Short on time? Do Day 1. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.

Day 1

About 4 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Start at Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.

Morning

An Overview: Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails (30 to 300 minutes). The Hot Springs and North Mountain trails are popular since they are easy to reach and provide scenic views. (dogs OK)

Afternoon

Bicycle Riding (time not listed). Biking through national parks is a great way to see beautiful scenery and discover new places. (best in winter, spring)
Goat Rock Trail (30 to 75 minutes). The Goat Rock trail offers stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains and the recharge zone for the thermal springs. (dogs OK)
Visit the Hot Water Cascade (15 to 45 minutes). Located at Arlington Lawn, this is the largest visible spring in the Park. (dogs OK)

Day 2

About 1 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

Oak Trail (25 to 45 minutes). The northeastern end of Oak Trail is mostly flat. (dogs OK)

Afternoon

Photography in the Park (time not listed). Photography is an important part of national park history. (dogs OK)
Honeysuckle Trail (20 to 45 minutes). Honeysuckle Trail connects Peak Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail. (dogs OK)
Birdwatching in the Park (time not listed). Birds are everywhere. (dogs OK)

Day 3

About 4 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

An Overview: West Mountain Trails (40 to 240 minutes). The West Mountain trails are less traveled, providing greater opportunities for wildlife sightings. (dogs OK)

Afternoon

Visit Display Springs (time not listed). Touch the Thermal Springs (dogs OK)
Short Cut Trail (10 to 25 minutes). Short Cut Trail connects Oertel Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail near the picnic area atop Hot Springs Mountain. (dogs OK)
Ride to the Top of Hot Springs Mountain Tower (1 to 2 hours). 216 feet above Hot Springs Mountain and 1,256 feet above Sea level is the breathtaking panoramic view of the park and its surrounding countryside.

Make it work

When to go: October and November. See the best time to visit.
Where to stay: 1 campground in the park; see camping and lodging.
Before you go: check today’s alerts and read know before you go. More ideas: all things to do.

Today at Hot Springs

Live

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Checking park alerts…

Alerts: National Park Service, checked hourly. Forecast: National Weather Service, for Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum. Always confirm on the official park site before you set out.

Sources

National Park Service: things to do in Hot Springs National Park (Data API, public domain)

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Hot Springs?

One day covers the highlights; 3 days lets you add longer hikes. Add travel time between areas of the park.

What should I do with one day in Hot Springs?

Start at Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum, then: An Overview: Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails, Bicycle Riding, Goat Rock Trail, Visit the Hot Water Cascade.