Hike Hot Springs Mountain then Soak at Buckstaff Bathhouse

Start your day at the Buckstaff Bathhouse. I would recommend doing the hike first and the traditional bath experience after, but depending on the day and time of year, the bathhouse may be closed in the afternoon. You can check their hours here. After you buy a ticket and store your belongings, you will be guided to the dressing room where an attendant provides a bathsheet for you to wear and guides you through the whole experience.

First, you start with a private bath tub filled with fresh 98-100 degree water straight from Hot Springs Mountain. The tubs are large enough for you to stretch out, and you soak for 20 minutes. You are then taken to table where your attendant applies hot packs to your desired part of the body (up to four for twenty minutes). The hot packs are used to provide heat therapy for specific aches or pains. Then, you are taken to a head-out steam cabinet where you steam for five minutes, benefiting lung or sinus conditions. Next, your attendant takes you to a sitz (sitting) tub filled with 108-degree water for ten minutes to help with problems and pains in the lower back. Lastly, you are taken to a two-minute cool down shower that is a refreshing experience.

While you're in the area, be sure to get out and explore Hot Springs Mountain. Start by taking Peak Trail to Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers spectacular views of the town of Hot Springs. From there, follow Hot Springs Mountain Trail to the Gulpa Gorge Trail to the Goat Rock Trail. Make sure to hike up the Goat Rock for some more spectacular views. Then take Goat Rock Trail to Upper Dogwood Trail back to Hot Springs Mountain Trail. Finally, from Hot Springs Mountain Trail take the Honeysuckle Trail back to Peak Trail and you will return back at Hot Springs Visitor Center.

To complete your Hot Springs National Park experience, take a tour of the Fordyce Bathhouse, which is also the visitor center. The exhibit takes you through the traditions of one of the most popular bathhouses in America. It is very cool to see that your bath experience at Buckstaff Bathhouse is exactly how many Americans experienced it so long ago - it is a truly authentic experience!