America the Beautiful – By Cooper Chilton

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

What could be better after a long trip than a long, relaxing hot soak in 100 + degree water? Not much that I can think of. That’s where a detour to this park comes in. After a ride through the mountains, you arrive in the historic Hot Springs downtown with its long history of bathhouses and quaint shop buildings. Due to Covid, the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum was closed.

The park started out as Hot Springs Reservation in 1832 before the national park system existed. This enabled the government to protect the springs and a town sprang up to provide services to health seekers. It has been expanded to more 5,550 acres and includes most of the City of Hot Springs. The famous waters start their journey as rain in the Ouachita Mountains which flows down cracks in the rocks, until 4,000 years later, it flows out as around 150 degree water. It then flows through coolers to achieve the desired temperature. This water contains minerals absorbed during its 4,000 year trip, which have long been thought to “cure what ails you”. As well as the opportunity to bath in these pristine

waters, there are several spigots around town where you can drink and fill your jug with the healing waters.

As for the baths, there are two currently operating bathhouses, the Buckstaff and the Quapaw. Although they offer a variety of spa services, Judy and I chose to bath in the beautiful pools of the Quapaw for $20 each, good for all day. The pools include plantings and magnificent stained glass ceilings. Bathing suits and rubber or plastic shoes are required. The available pools have varying temperatures of water and accommodate varying numbers of people. Required showers, a snack bar, adult beverages, and even a swimsuit wringer are available.

After a soak, how about a hike (26 miles of trails) or a drive on the switchbacks of the Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive which begins at the end of Fountain Street, passes a picnic area, Pagoda Overlook, Hot Springs Mountain Tower and continues as the North Mountain Loop back to Fountain Street. Remember that National Park traffic tickets are expensive!

Ride Safe and Have Fun!! Cooper