Stave Off The Winter Chill In Hot Springs, North Carolina

North Carolina is famed for its arts and culture, pioneering aviation, stunning state parks, friendly people, delicious food, and enchanting nature spots blended with mountains - the Great Smoky Mountains, more specifically. Of course, all that trekking and outdoor activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park earn a well-deserved rest - and the natural hot springs in North Carolina are the perfect way to soothe the soul.

Hot Springs, North Carolina, has a revered place as one of the top resort destinations in the US and has kept that status ever since the early 1800s. Long renowned for its healing mineral springs and scenic mountain setting, the hot springs North Carolina soaks its visitors in are the ideal complement to round off one's trip in the state - whether hiking the Great Smoky Mountains' trails or snorkeling in and around the North Carolina Outer Banks.

The History Of Hot Springs In North Carolina

Native Americans were the first people to discover the mineral waters that garnered the town of Hot Springs nationwide recognition - and led to its name. They would hold spiritual ceremonies around five miles down the French Broad River at Paint Rock, and still, to this day, some of North Carolina’s best-known examples of American Indian pictographs can be seen.

Originally, this beautiful historic town wasn’t called 'Hot Springs'; it was initially founded as 'Warm Springs' (not much different, of course) named after the warm-water springs found in the area. Realizing tourism potential, a man named James Patton purchased the springs in 1831. By 1837, he had built the majestic 350-room Warm Springs Hotel to serve visitors who came from far and wide to soak in the warming mineral waters.

Because of its colossal size and grandeur, the hotel earned the nickname 'Patton’s White House, with its sprawling dining room that could accommodate up to 600 guests. Sadly, in 1884, a fire burned down the grand hotel after 46 years of service. Still, the site was sold, and a new hotel was constructed - The Mountain Park Hotel, which was constructed in 1886.

Furthermore, hotter pools were discovered that same year, so the townspeople renamed their town 'Hot Springs. New springs, new hotel, new name, new town, right? Nope. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be; yet again, that brand-new establishment that was one of the most elegant hotels in the US later burned down as well.

Naturally, by 1917, the resort atmosphere of Hot Springs changed due to World War I; fewer people used the warm waters, as the US government leased the Mountain Park Hotel and its grounds to use as an internment camp for German merchant sailors, who were arrested in US harbors upon the declaration of the war. Apparently, the townsfolk of Hot Springs treated the Germans well - several even returned to visit again after the war.

Just when one thought there could be no more fire, the hotel burned down again in 1920, this time never to be rebuilt. Instead, two other hotels were erected on the grounds of the hot springs over the following four decades. As time went by, the town flourished into a small community with plenty on offer, including restaurants, galleries, and, as its name implies, sumptuous hot springs to rival the best onsens in Japan.

Visit Hot Springs Resort And Spa, North Carolina

For centuries, the mineral springs of Hot Springs, NC, have beckoned visitors who come to bask in the mineral-rich waters right at the confluence of the French Broad River and Spring Creek. These hot springs are the only natural mineral hot springs in North Carolina and are managed by the Hot Springs Resort Spa in North Carolina.

Hot Springs Resort and Spa Address: 315 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743, USA
Mineral Baths Price: Prices range from $50 to $180 for two people, depending on tub type and the time of day (children under 12 soaks free!)
All specific price details can be found on the resort's mineral bath price page.

There are 12 outdoor mineral baths in modern Jacuzzi-type pools at the resort, each offering peace, and privacy. The springs are clean, and each pool is drained, sanitized, and refilled after each guest has finished their soak.

How Hot Is The Water At Hot Springs, NC?

The hot mineral springs in the town boast water temperatures ranging from 100 to 104 degrees. Relaxing in the springs is delightful even in cold weather, given their consistent year-round warm temperatures.

Is Hot Springs, NC, Worth Visiting?

Before pondering this query, picture this: unwinding in a private, spring-fed hot tub looking out over the French Broad River. Does that sound like bliss? If yes, that question is answered in full.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Hot Springs, NC?

The mineral baths in Hot Springs are open year-round from Monday through Thursday from noon to 10 pm and Friday through Sunday from 10 am until midnight. Still, hours may vary based on demand, so checking with the resort beforehand is advised.

Weather-wise, visiting Hot Springs for its namesake natural attraction is idyllic, no matter the season. Basking in the baths in summer or winter - it comes down to personal preference. That said, summer in Hot Springs is a beautiful time of the year. June promises warmer days, but the nighttime is comfortably cool, thanks to the fresh air from the mountains floating down into the valley. If outdoor escapades are on the card, July is ideal; it's the region's warmest month and an excellent time for swimming in mountain creeks and kayaking or rafting on the French Broad River.

Other Things To Do In Hot Springs, NC: An Appalachian Trail Stop

In modern times, the charming, small-town, rustic mountain resort appeal attracts tourists in need of a good soak, rest, and recharge in the sublime warm waters of the outdoor springs. On the other hand, it also appeals to adventurists and adrenaline addicts who can't get enough of outdoor water sports - especially kayaking and rafting, as the town sits right at the French Broad River's confluence.

What's more, hiking in Hot Springs is popular; the scenic stretches of the 2,100-mile-long Appalachian Trail runs down the main street of the downtown area before crossing the French Broad River and venturing back onto the ridge tops. Mountain bikers also have an epic time in and around the town, where they can wind along wooded paths and bike across open meadows with stunning views of the dramatic surrounding peaks.

Last but not least, North Carolina camping in Hot Springs is equally a superb pastime in between soaking one's woes away and hitting up adventurous recreational activities. Across the road from the resort, the Hot Springs Campground awaits the more nature-loving guest, which offers 100-plus tent sites, eight primitive cabins, and sites for partial and full RV hookups. The campsite also has bathrooms and seasonal hot showers for campers.

How To Get To Hot Springs, NC

From the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cataloochee entrance: Drive 45 miles on Cove Creek Road and scenic Highway 209 to Hot Springs. The journey is only 45 miles long; however, the winding mountain roads can make the trip take up to an hour and a half - or more in icy conditions.
From Asheville, NC airport: Drive around 48 miles north to reach Hot Springs.
From Cherokee, NC (the south entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park): Drive approximately 72 miles northeast to Hot Springs.
From Gatlinburg, TN (the north entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park): Drive around an hour and 20 minutes east to Hot Springs.
From Knoxville, TN airport: Drive approx 77 miles east to get to Hot Springs.