Hot Springs Getaway: Thermal Springs & Ouachita Mountains Adventure

Trip Snapshot

• Distance & drive time: Approximately 55 miles (1 hour) from Little Rock to Hot Springs via I-30 W/US-70 W. The scenic loop through the Ouachita Mountains and back adds another ~60 miles.
• Best time: Spring and fall offer mild weather ideal for walking Bathhouse Row and hiking (plus spring wildflowers, fall foliage). Summer is popular but busy great for lake activities (expect heat and humidity). Winters are generally mild, though a rare ice storm can occur in the mountains.
• Ideal for:Families (with water fun and easy hikes), couples (spa relaxation), nature lovers (scenic byways, lakes), and history buffs (Bathhouse Row’s heritage).
• Quick route summary: Head west on I-30 and US-70 to Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, AR. After enjoying the town, continue west/north on scenic Arkansas Highway 7 (or AR-88) into the Ouachita National Forest, optionally detouring to Lake Ouachita. Loop back toward Little Rock via AR-5 or US-70 for an alternate route through small towns and rolling hills.
• Top 3 highlights:Soak in Bathhouse Row’s thermal waters • Scenic drive along Ouachita Mountain Byways • Swimming or boating at crystal-clear Lake Ouachita

Route Overview
Leaving the city bustle of Little Rock, you’ll drive southwest about an hour to reach Hot Springs, a quaint town uniquely set inside a national park. The transition is striking from urban Interstate 30 to the winding wooded road of US-70 that leads into Hot Springs. As you approach downtown Hot Springs, you’ll notice forested hills rising around you and historic buildings lining the road. This is Hot Springs National Park, famed for being the only national park located within a town, and you’re about to experience its blend of nature and history. Parking near Bathhouse Row can fill up on peak days, so consider the free parking garage on Exchange Street or arrive early.

After enjoying Hot Springs, your journey continues into the Ouachita Mountains. Heading north on AR-7, one of Arkansas’s most celebrated scenic byways, the road winds through lush pine and hardwood forests. The drive is wonderfully curvy take it slow and savor views from roadside pull-offs. You’ll climb and descend green hills, with occasional vistas of the Ouachita range unfolding before you. If you choose to venture west on AR-88 (another scenic route), you can reach high elevations toward Queen Wilhelmina State Park, but for a shorter loop, AR-7 is the most direct scenic path. A worthwhile detour from AR-7 is Lake Ouachita State Park, accessible via AR-192 west near the town of Mountain Pine. This sparkling lake the largest in Arkansas is renowned for its clear waters and inviting swim beaches. After a refreshing stop at the lake, you can loop back. Many travelers return to Little Rock by taking AR-5 East, a rural two-lane highway that leads through quiet communities (like Fountain Lake and Benton) before reconnecting to I-30. This alternate route gives you different scenery on the way home, trading mountains for gentle hills and pastoral farmland as you approach the metro area.

Top Stops & Experiences(listed in rough order along the route)

• Hot Springs National Park & Bathhouse Row (Hot Springs)Family-friendly / Couples. Start your adventure in downtown Hot Springs. Stroll Bathhouse Row, a street of eight elegant bathhouse buildings dating from the early 1900s, preserved as part of Hot Springs National Park. Pop into the Fordyce Bathhouse, now the park’s visitor center and museum, to learn about the history of this “Spa City.” If relaxation is on your agenda, book a traditional mineral thermal bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse (operating since 1912) or enjoy modern spa pools at the Quapaw Baths. Out back, walk the Grand Promenade, a brick pathway behind the bathhouses that offers a quiet uphill stroll with views of downtown and peak into open hot spring pools steaming from the ground. Don’t miss the display spring fountain where you can feel the 143°F thermal water (briefly!) or even fill a jug with cooled mineral water at public taps. Hot Springs NP uniquely blends nature with town life you can hike short trails on Hot Springs Mountain for panoramas, then grab a coffee on Central Avenue right after.
• Hot Springs Mountain TowerFamily-friendly. For a bird’s-eye view of the whole area, drive or hike up Hot Springs Mountain Drive to this 216-foot observation tower. An elevator (fee) takes you to an observation deck ~1,256 feet above sea level. From there, you’ll get a stunning 360° view: the Ouachita Mountains rolling to the west, the town of Hot Springs nestled below, and lakes gleaming in the distance. It’s a great way to grasp the landscape you’re about to drive through. There’s a small gift shop at the tower, and several trailheads nearby if you want to stretch your legs on a short hike.
• Downtown Hot Springs & The Ohio ClubAdult-oriented (kid-friendly during daytime). Before leaving town, explore Hot Springs’ historic downtown. It’s lined with boutique shops, antique stores, and eateries. If you’re hungry, you might try a local barbecue joint or the Ohio Club, Arkansas’s oldest bar and a piece of Hot Springs lore. This iconic watering hole opened in 1905 and once hosted the likes of Al Capone and Babe Ruth. Today it’s a family-friendly grill by day (delicious burgers) and a live music venue by night (21+ later on). Even if you just peek in, you’ll appreciate the vintage mahogany bar and gangster-era memorabilia. Across the street, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth at Superior Bathhouse Brewery & Distillery notably the only brewery located inside a national park, crafting beer from the thermal spring water!
• Lake Ouachita (Lake Ouachita State Park)Family-friendly. A 20-minute detour from Hot Springs (via AR-270 west) brings you to Lake Ouachita, a must-see if time permits. Known for its unbelievably clear water and 200 islands, Lake Ouachita is a paradise for swimming, boating, and fishing. The state park on its eastern shore offers a beach for a quick swim and picnic tables under shady pines. Take a short walk to the historic Three Sisters Springs on site, or rent a kayak at the marina to paddle in a cove you might spot herons and turtles. On hot days, nothing beats a dip in this lake; the water is cool, spring-fed, and incredibly refreshing. If you plan to boat or kayak, keep in mind the lake is vast (40,000+ acres), so it’s best to stay near coves if you’re new. Even a brief stop to admire the view from the lodge overlook is worth it you’ll see islands dotting the blue expanse of water, framed by green mountain ridges.
• Ouachita National Forest Scenic Drive (AR-7 North)Family-friendly. Heading north on Highway 7 from Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village takes you deep into the Ouachita National Forestfs.usda.govfs.usda.gov. This drive is all about enjoying the journey. As the road climbs, stop at the Jessieville Visitor Center (if open on weekdays) rangers there can provide maps and point out any current highlights or short trails. Continuing on, you’ll pass through the small community of Jessieville, then ascend into more remote stretches of forest. About 10 miles north of Jessieville, keep an eye out for a roadside pull-off with an expansive vista often referred to as the “Arkansas Grand Canyon” overlook. This sweeping view into a wide valley shows the layered hills of the Ouachitas especially stunning in autumn when the hardwoods burst into reds and golds. Along AR-7 you’ll find a few picnic areas and trailheads; one popular short hike is the Ouachita National Recreation Trail segment near Iron Springs (a good leg-stretcher). Whether you stop or not, you’ll notice how peaceful this national forest is traffic is light, and you might spot wildlife like deer or wild turkeys, especially in the cooler hours.
• Quaint Mountain Towns (Jessieville & Beyond) As you drive the loop, you’ll pass through or near a few small Arkansas communities. Jessieville has a classic general store if you need drinks or snacks. Farther north, if you took AR-7 all the way, you’d reach Ola and eventually Russellville, but our loop will likely have you turning east before then. If you return via AR-5, you might pass through Fountain Lake or Benton. These are small towns lacking big attractions, but they offer a slice of local life and occasionally roadside farm stands in season. Don’t be surprised if you trade mountain vistas for pastoral scenes grazing cattle, country churches, and roadside produce stands as you near the I-30 corridor back to Little Rock.

Where to Eat & Stay

Food:When hunger calls, here are some road-trip-friendly stops:

• McClard’s Bar-B-Q (Hot Springs): A local barbecue legend serving since 1928. It’s a few minutes from downtown but worth it for the sauce-slathered ribs and chopped pork sandwiches. (Fun fact: President Bill Clinton, an Arkansas native, was a fan of McClard’s.) Expect a casual diner vibe and possibly a short wait at peak times they often sell out of popular items.
• Ohio Club (Hot Springs): Mentioned above, this historic spot offers more than history their burgers and sandwiches make a hearty lunch. Minors can dine with adults during daytime hours. Try the Ohio Burger and house-made chips. If it’s evening and you’re without kids, stick around for live blues or jazz it completes the Hot Springs experience.
• Superior Bathhouse Brewery (Hot Springs): For something unique, grab a craft beer flight or homemade root beer and a pretzel in this converted bathhouse brewery. They have light pub fare (sandwiches, brats, cheese plates) ideal for a quick bite. Kids are welcome, and they’ll get a kick out of the idea that the sodas are made from hot spring water.
• Cafe in the Ouachitas: Options are sparse deep in the mountains, but if you loop through Hot Springs Village or Jessieville around meal time, look for small family eateries. For instance, Home Plate Cafe in Hot Springs Village is a beloved local diner (great pies!), and The Shack in Jessieville does classic Southern plate lunches. These places have limited hours, so check if they’re open as you pass by. Otherwise, consider packing a picnic from Hot Springs enjoying lunch with a vista at a highway overlook or by the lake can be memorable.

Lodging:You can do this trip in a long day, but an overnight lets you soak in the springs and mountain serenity.

• Hot Springs Historic Downtown Hotels: To fully enjoy Bathhouse Row and maybe an evening out, stay in the heart of Hot Springs. The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa is an iconic choice a 100+ year-old hotel that has hosted celebrities and offers its own thermal water spa and pool. It’s right at the end of Bathhouse Row, so you can walk everywhere. Other downtown options include boutique hotels like The Waters or Hotel Hale (a former bathhouse turned hotel). Staying downtown means you can take an early morning walk on the Promenade or a nighttime stroll past lit-up bathhouse facades.
• Hot Springs Modern & Budget Lodging: If historic hotels aren’t your style, there are plenty of familiar chain hotels and motels along Central Avenue (US-7) and near Lake Hamilton (just south of downtown). These often have lower rates. For example, you’ll find Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, etc., about 10 minutes from the national park area. Many have pools nice in summer and free breakfast.
• Ouachita Mountains Cabins: For a nature-centric overnight, consider renting a cabin either around Hot Springs Village or on Lake Ouachita. Hot Springs Village (a large gated community) has some nightly-rental townhomes and condos near its golf courses and lakes. Lake Ouachita State Park offers cabins right by the lake you’d wake up to forest sounds and be steps from a morning swim or hike. These book up in peak season, so reserve ahead.
• Camping: Both Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita National Forest offer camping opportunities. Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs NP (within city limits) has sites along a creek with full RV hookups and tent spaces (first-come, first-served) a unique chance to camp inside a national park and still be 5 minutes from downtown. Lake Ouachita State Park and nearby National Forest recreation areas (like Charlton Recreation Area) have campgrounds as well. If you’re traveling with an RV or just love sleeping under the stars, the Ouachita Mountains have wonderfully dark skies.

Detours & Extensions

• Garvan Woodland Gardens (Hot Springs): If you have an extra couple of hours in Hot Springs, swing 15 minutes south of downtown to this spectacular 210-acre botanical garden on Lake Hamilton. Garvan Woodland Gardens features paved walking trails through beautifully landscaped woodlands, vibrant flower displays (spring azaleas and summer blooms are gorgeous), and the stunning Anthony Chapel an airy stone-and-glass chapel in the woods (a bit like Thorncrown Chapel in design). It’s a peaceful spot to wander, and kids love the koi pond and children’s play area. Around the holidays, the gardens host an elaborate lights display that draws visitors from all over.
• Crater of Diamonds State Park: Want to dig for treasure? This state park is about 1.5 hours southwest of Hot Springs (near Murfreesboro) not on the main loop, but doable as a separate day trip if you’re staying multiple days. It’s the only public diamond mine in the world where you can hunt for real diamonds in a plowed field. People actually find diamonds of various colors (white, brown, even the occasional big one!) and you can keep what you find. Even if you don’t strike it rich, it’s muddy, messy fun for kids and adults alike. The park has equipment rentals and cleaning stations to wash your finds. Tip: go in the cooler morning hours and bring a hat there’s no shade in the digging field, and it gets hot.
• Extended Ouachita Loop: For avid drivers or motorcyclists, consider extending the mountain portion. Instead of turning back at Jessieville, continue on AR-7 north all the way to Scenic Highway 7 Vista near Pelsor, or take a westward jaunt on Talimena Scenic Byway (AR-88 into Oklahoma) if you have a full day. These routes offer more curves and overlooks. Just ensure you have a full tank of gas; services are sparse in the deep mountains.

Practical Tips

• Beat the Crowds: Hot Springs is a popular weekend getaway. On summer weekends or during events, Bathhouse Row and parking spots can get crowded by late morning. Plan to arrive in Hot Springs early (before 10 AM) to snag a parking space and enjoy the park with fewer people around. The bathhouses often take walk-ins for baths/spas in the mornings, but consider making a reservation for a spa treatment if you have a tight schedule.
• Thermal Water Etiquette: If you indulge in a traditional bath at the bathhouses, know that it’s a naked affair (segregated by gender at Buckstaff; private tubs at Quapaw). Don’t be shy it’s part of the history! They will drape you with sheets for modesty. Also, bring a swimsuit if you plan to use public thermal pools or hotel pools some places (like Quapaw’s public pools) require swimwear. And drink water while soaking the heat can dehydrate you more than you realize.
• Mountain Driving: The Ouachita mountain roads (AR-7 especially) are curvy with some steep grades. Take your time and use pull-offs if someone behind you is faster. Locals who drive these daily may go quickly, but it’s perfectly fine to drive slower and enjoy there’s often beautiful scenery right around that bend. Also, cell service will be spotty in the forest. Download offline maps or keep an old-fashioned Arkansas roadmap handy. Watch for wildlife, particularly around dawn or dusk; deer are common on the roads. In rainy weather, roads can be slick, so slow down before sharp curves.
• Fuel & Facilities: Once you leave Hot Springs, services are limited. Fill up your gas tank in Hot Springs or Hot Springs Village. Jessieville has a small gas station, but hours can be limited at night. Restrooms: There are public restrooms at Hot Springs NP visitor center, Lake Ouachita State Park, and Jessieville visitor center (if open). Otherwise, you’ll be looking at vault toilets at trailheads or nature’s bathroom! Plan accordingly, especially if traveling with kids.
• Heat Precautions: Arkansas summers are hot and humid. If traveling June–August, ensure your vehicle’s AC is in good shape. Carry a cooler with cold drinks and snacks. A day of walking in the heat (or digging for diamonds, if you do that detour) can be exhausting take indoor breaks to cool off (the national park museum, shops, etc.). Conversely, in winter, a sudden ice storm can make mountain roads hazardous (though rare); check forecasts and be flexible if winter weather is predicted.
• Park Passes: Hot Springs National Park has no entrance fee for the park or visitor center. If you plan to camp at Gulpha Gorge or participate in certain activities, there may be small fees. State parks like Lake Ouachita also have free entry (fees only for camping or rentals). So this trip is light on the wallet in terms of admissions more to spend on a good meal or souvenir!

Rentals & Logistics

• Best vehicle: This route is very doable in any car. A midsize sedan or SUV is a great choice for comfort on the highway and stability on winding mountain roads. Families might opt for a minivan or larger SUV for extra space (especially if bringing picnic gear, float toys for the lake, or camping equipment). In summer, strong air conditioning is a must (which most modern rentals have covered). If you’re traveling as a couple or solo and want some fun, renting a convertible or small sporty car can make those curvy roads even more enjoyable just be prepared to keep the top up in August heat or unexpected rain.
• Navigation: GPS works fine to get you to Hot Springs and generally along the main roads. However, once in the national forest, cell signals may fade. It’s wise to download offline maps of the area beforehand. The route is not complicated (Highway 7 is well marked), but if you decide to explore side roads or if detours happen, you’ll want a map. Paper Arkansas state highway maps (free at visitor centers or welcome centers) are also handy and show scenic byways and recreation areas.
• Tolls: Good news there are no tolls on this road trip. All highways and routes mentioned (I-30, US-70, AR-7, AR-5, etc.) are toll-free. Enjoy the drive without worrying about toll booths or electronic passes.
• Timing: You can technically drive the loop (Little Rock → Hot Springs → Ouachitas → back) in around 5-6 hours of driving time round-trip. However, to truly experience the sights, plan a full day with an early start, or split into two days. If doing a day trip, prioritize what you most want to see (e.g., skip a long lake visit if you want more mountain time, or vice versa). Sunset in the Ouachitas is lovely, but try to be off the twisty roads before dark if possible, it’s harder to appreciate scenery and roaming wildlife can be a hazard at night.
• Reservations: If staying overnight in summer or on weekends, book your lodging in advance Hot Springs hotels and campsites can fill fast, and state park cabins are often reserved months out. Likewise, spa appointments in Hot Springs (like massages or private baths) can book up on weekends a reservation will ensure you don’t miss out on a soak.

Reserve the perfect vehicle in Little Rock. Enjoy your Hot Springs and Ouachita adventure, taking in the therapeutic waters and mountain air an Arkansas road trip that rejuvenates mind and body!