Hot Springs National Park – the oldest national park in the United States
Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and is the oldest park managed by the NPS. It is also the only urban National Park with a city located in the valley between its main mountains. The park is also famous for its Historic Landmark Bathhouse Row and its many scenic hiking trails. It is the perfect vacation spot that combines outdoor activities and relaxing hot mineral baths.
The Hot Springs Reservation was created by an act of the United States Congress on April 20, 1832, and signed into law by then-President Andrew Jackson. Then on June 16, 1880 it was destined for public use as a park. The act made Hot Springs the oldest National Park predating Yellowstone by 40 years. The area located in the Zig Zag Mountains of the Ouachita Range officially became a National Park on March 4, 1921. At only 5,550 acres, the park is also the smallest US National Park in the nation.
The country’s only urban National Park features Historic Bathhouse Row located on Central Avenue. The restored Fordyce Bathhouse houses the National Park Information and Tourism Center. Other bathhouses include OZARK, home to MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), plus Buckstaff and Quapaw, which operate spa-style bathhouses. El Lamar is currently the temporary headquarters of the management of the Park; while Maurice, Hale, and Superior are undergoing restoration as of 2010.
The park’s hiking trails cater to a variety of fitness levels; in fact, many were included in the Dertel system of graded exercise in the early 20th century. The easiest and most popular trail to the top of Hot Springs Mountain is the 6-mile Peak Trail, which begins above the park’s main entrance. Once at the top, you can circumnavigate the mountain starting at the picnic area and hiking the 1.7-mile Hot Springs Mountain Trail. Other queues in the park take you to great scenic spots like North Mountain Overlook, Goat Rock, and Gulfha Gorge.
This Arkansas destination is the perfect destination for singles, couples, and families. It is an affordable vacation option as the park is free to all visitors for hiking, sightseeing, and recreation. Visitors have a variety of lodging options, including the park’s campgrounds, recreational vehicle parks, and a wide range of hotels and motels, both inside and outside the park. Beautiful Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas can be enjoyed any time of the year and is the perfect vacation destination.