Hiking and Native Plants in Hot Springs National Park

Howdy botanical Texans! My friend and I have developed a bit of a tradition of taking a hiking trip somewhere new every Labor Day weekend. A few years ago we went on an epic national park road trip through the southwestern United States, and it was such a blast that we decided it was time for another national park adventure this year. So we packed up the car, queued up the road trip playlists, and headed to Arkansas to explore Hot Springs National Park.

And wow… it did not disappoint. Between the lush forests, winding mountain trails, and so many interesting plants along the way, I found myself stopping constantly to look closer at the landscape (very on brand for this blog).

After exploring the park, I knew I had to share it with you all. If you’re a plant lover, nature nerd, or just someone who appreciates a beautiful hike, Hot Springs is seriously a botanical traveler’s paradise. In this post, I’m sharing the hikes we explored, some of the plants that make this region so special, and a little inspiration you can take home if you want to create your own Hot Springs–inspired landscape.

Hot Springs History

So we all know national parks are famous for their jaw-dropping natural landscapes (yes even Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis counts!). But what makes Hot Springs National Park so uniquely awesome?

For starters, it’s the oldest land in the United States set aside for federal protection. Back in 1832, President Andrew Jackson officially protected the hot springs and surrounding mountains as a reservation. That’s a full 40 years before Yellowstone became the first official national park!

But the story of the springs goes way further back than that. Long before the federal government got involved, Indigenous tribes traveled to this area to relax and soak in the warm mineral waters. Many believed the springs had powerful healing properties. The area often served as a peaceful gathering place where different groups could come together, rest, and reconnect with one another. Over time, bathhouses were built around the springs, transforming the town into “America’s Spa” Visitors flocked here from all over to experience the therapeutic waters and soak in the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

And beyond the historic bathhouses and bubbling thermal springs, the real magic of the park lives in its landscape. Tucked into the forests of the Ouachita Mountains, the park features a thriving woodland ecosystem filled with diverse plants, towering trees, and layered undergrowth.

Hiking Recommendations in Hot Springs

Ok, now that you’ve got a brief overview of this history of Hot Springs Arkansas and what makes it so alluring, your probably itching to start planning out your botanical travel itenerary! Well first off is my recommendation for hiking spots!

Hike 1: Hot Springs mountain Trail

This is honestly one of the best trails in the park if you want a little bit of everything. You get beautiful nature, up-close views of the hot springs, and sweeping scenic overlooks of the Ouachita Mountains. It’s an easy 1.7 mile loop, and along the way you climb up to the iconic Hot Springs Mountain Tower for one of the best views in the area.

Both Laurel and I were stopping every five seconds because there was always something interesting to see. The trail winds through lush forest filled with native hardwoods, ferns, and moss-covered rocks that make it feel almost magical. Depending on the season, you might see blooming wildflowers, vibrant green understory plants, and even butterflies moving through the trees. The shaded canopy makes it feel cool and peaceful even on warmer days. It was a hot day when we went hiking, but while waking amongst the trees neither of us broke a sweat!

Another little fun addition to this trail is that it both begins and ends at Happy Hollow Springs, where you can refill your water bottle at one of the few cold springs in the park. And let me tell you, that mineral water tastes incredibly fresh! It stays a cool 62 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Definitely bring an empty water bottle with you so you can fill up before or after your hike. It’s such a perfect way to start or finish the experience.

Hike 2: Gulpha Gorge Trail

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and have your true hiking shoes on, the Gulpha Gorge Trail is calling your name. With a steep 13.8% grade, this trail is a serious climb, but for those who love a challenge, it’s totally worth it. You can even access it from the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, making it a great option for extending your adventure.

What makes Gulpha Gorge truly unique is its direct creekside access, the quick elevation gain (we’re talking about nearly 968 feet of climb!), and its proximity to the Gulpha Gorge Campground. You get that immersive forest-and-creek vibe that’s hard to find on other trails in the park.

Admittedly, Laurel and I didn’t make it all the way up this one. We ran out of time since we had to head to hike 3, but it was high on our list! I wanted to include it here because it’s probably one of the most challenging hikes in the park and gives you that lush, water-lined landscape that’s so special. Definitely a trail to keep on your radar for your next visit.

Hike 3: Garvan Woodland Gardens

This spot technically isn’t inside the national park, but don’t let that stop you. It’s only about a 20 minute drive from downtown Hot Springs, and it is absolutely worth the small detour (and the entrance fee). Tickets cost $30 at the gate, but if you buy them online ahead of time they drop to $22, which is an easy way to save a few dollars for post-hike snacks. Now that the logistics are out of the way, what actually makes this place so special?

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210 acre botanical garden tucked along the scenic shores of Lake Hamilton. The land was donated in 1985 to the University of Arkansas and is now managed by their landscape architecture program. Because of that, the entire garden almost feels like a living classroom where students and designers experiment with different landscape styles, plant combinations, and garden layouts. And trust me, there is a lot to explore.

The gardens are filled with winding trails that take you through a variety of environments. One minute you’re wandering through a peaceful Japanese garden, the next you’re walking past colorful wildflower meadows, towering pines, and beautifully designed woodland paths. There’s also a whimsical children’s garden complete with treehouse-style structures that look like something straight out of a storybook. Then there are the lakeside paths, which offer some of the most peaceful views in the entire garden.

The gardens are also home to the iconic Anthony Chapel. Yes, that one. If you’ve ever fallen down a Pinterest rabbit hole of dreamy outdoor weddings, chances are you’ve seen it. The chapel is a stunning glass-and-wood structure that rises up among the trees and somehow manages to feel both modern and completely in harmony with the forest around it.

Honestly, I think we ended up walking more in Garvan Woodland Gardens than on any of the actual hikes. Every path seemed to lead to another garden, another overlook, or another little area we wanted to explore!

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Native Plants of Hot Springs National Park

So you’ve got your hiking itinerary all planned out! Now you’re wondering what cool plants you should actually be keeping an eye out for along the trail. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Would this even be a botanical travel post if I didn’t share some of the native plants you can find around Hot Springs?

As you explore the park’s trails, you’ll start to notice that the forests are packed with interesting plant life, from edible berries and fragrant shrubs to rare ferns and tiny mosses growing in rocky crevices. To make things easier, I’ve broken down some of the most interesting plants you might spot into three categories: Edible & Forging Plants, Interesting Native Plants of the Ouachita Forest, and Rare or Unique Plants of Hot Springs

Edible & Forging Plant

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

A small tree famous for its three different leaf shapes: oval, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed.

Fun fact: The roots were historically used to flavor root beer, and the dried leaves can be ground into filé powder used in Cajun cooking.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

A fragrant shrub often found along shady trails and near streams.

Fun fact: If you crush the leaves or twigs they release a spicy citrus scent, and the berries were once used as a colonial-era spice substitute.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

A small understory tree that produces the largest native fruit in North America.

Fun fact: The fruit tastes like a mix of banana, mango, and custard, and early American explorers were known to snack on them.

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

A shrub known for its striking clusters of bright purple berries in late summer and fall.

Fun fact: The leaves were traditionally crushed and rubbed on the skin as a natural mosquito repellent.

Blackberry (Rubus species)

Thorny brambles that produce sweet berries in early summer.

Fun fact: These plants form dense thickets that provide important food and shelter for wildlife.

Interesting Native Plants of the Ouachita Forest

Bee Balm (Monarda species)

Bright red or purple flowers often seen in sunny openings and along trails.

Fun fact: Bee balm is a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it a pollinator powerhouse.

Ouachita Blazing Star (Liatris compacta)

A striking purple wildflower native to the Ouachita Mountains that blooms in tall, fuzzy spikes.

Fun fact: Blazing star flowers open from the top of the spike downward, which is the opposite of most flowering plants. They’re also a huge favorite of butterflies.

Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

A delicate woodland fern with fan-shaped leaflets and dark, wiry stems.

Fun fact: Despite how fragile it looks, this fern is actually very resilient in shady forest habitats.

Red Beard Orchid

A native woodland orchid sometimes found in moist forest environments.

Fun fact: Many orchids rely on specific fungi in the soil to help their seeds germinate, which is one reason orchids can be rare in the wild.

Woodland Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum)

A small succulent that grows in rocky crevices and mineral-rich rock formations.

Fun fact: It stores water in its leaves, allowing it to survive in thin soils and rocky environments.

Rare or Unique plant of hot springs

Arkansas Bedstraw (Galium arkansanum)

A rare plant associated with rocky Ouachita habitats.

Fun fact: Plants in the bedstraw family were historically used to stuff mattresses because they release a pleasant scent when dried.

Lobed Spleenwort (Asplenium pinnatifidum)

A fern that grows in cracks along rocky cliffs.

Fun fact: Scientists believe this fern formed through ancient hybridization between two different fern species.

Scott’s Hybrid Spleenwort (Asplenium × ebenoides)

A rare hybrid fern sometimes called the dragon-tail fern because of its narrow, elongated fronds.

Graves’ Hybrid Spleenwort (Asplenium × gravesii)

One of the rarest plants in the region.

Fun fact: It’s sterile, meaning it can only appear when the two parent species hybridize again in the wild.

Tiny plant you may overlook

Feather Moss (Hypnaceae family)

Forms soft green carpets along rocks and tree bases.

Fun fact: Moss can hold many times its weight in water, helping forests retain moisture.

Liverworts

Tiny leaf-like plants often growing in damp soil and rock crevices.

Fun fact: These plants are among the oldest land plants on Earth, dating back over 400 million years.

Thermophilic Algae

Microscopic algae that thrive in the warm mineral water flowing from the springs.

Fun fact: Some species can survive temperatures over 140°F, about the temperature of the hot springs themselves.

Creating your own Hot Springs landscape

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As a landscape architect, the number one thing I take away from any trip is simple… what can I steal for design inspiration? If you completely fell in love with Hot Springs National Park and want to bring a little piece of the American Spa into your own backyard, then this section is for you. What stood out to me most were the cozy little respite spaces, the intentional moments to slow down, and the way the landscape naturally encourages relaxation and connection to nature. It wasn’t flashy. It was thoughtful.

By weaving in some of the design elements below, you can recreate that same peaceful energy in your own outdoor space. And yes, even if you’re planting roots in the Lone Star State like me, you can still channel those Hot Springs vibes at home.

• Light Play & Natural Shadow
  • Design Inspiration:
    • The way sunlight filters through trees, reflects off water, and moves across stone creates a constantly changing experience in the landscape.
  • Application:
    • Use layered tree canopies, pergolas, and vertical structures to cast dynamic shadows. Incorporate warm outdoor lighting and translucent materials to mimic the glow of light through forest cover.

• Water as a Focal Point
  • Design Inspiration:
    • Water is the heart of Hot Springs. Lakes, springs, and reflecting pools naturally draw people in and create gathering spaces.
  • Application:
    • Add a pond, reflecting pool, fountain, or recirculating water feature as a central design element. Position seating nearby so water becomes both visual and experiential.

• Thermal Elements & Hot Tubs
  • Design Inspiration:
    • The thermal identity of Hot Springs revolves around warmth and relaxation. Hot water as a design feature connects directly to place-based inspiration.
  • Application:
    • Integrate a hot tub or plunge pool as a focal feature. Use natural stone surrounds, wood decking, or built-in seating to make it feel grounded in the landscape. Consider lighting and surrounding vegetation to create privacy and ambiance.

• Topography Integration
  • Design Inspiration:
    • Hot Springs feels dynamic because of its rolling terrain and elevation shifts. The landscape works with the land instead of flattening it.
  • Application:
    • Design around existing slopes instead of grading everything flat. Build structures into hillsides, use retaining walls as seating, and create tiered planting beds that follow natural contours. Let elevation changes create surprise views and intimate spaces.
• Layered Planting & Forest Structure
  • Design Inspiration:
    • The Ouachita forest feels immersive because of its vertical layers: canopy trees, understory shrubs, ferns, and groundcovers working together.
  • Application:
    • Use layered planting to create depth and texture. Combine trees for structure, shrubs for screening, flowering perennials for seasonal interest, and native groundcovers to soften edges.
• Rock & Stone Integration
  • Design Inspiration:
    • Hot Springs is defined by mineral deposits, rocky outcrops, and natural geology.
  • Application:
    • Incorporate boulders, stone retaining walls, and rock seating into the design. Use materials that feel local and grounded to the region instead of overly polished or artificial finishes.
• Intimate Gathering & Reflection Spaces
  • Design Inspiration:
    • Quiet benches tucked into wooded areas create personal connection to nature.
  • Application:
    • Design small seating pockets surrounded by plants for privacy. Create micro-spaces for reflection, meditation, or small gatherings using curved seating or enclosed garden rooms.
• Therapeutic & Sensory Design
  • Design Inspiration:
    • Spending time in Hot Springs is restorative—there’s a reason people have been visiting these thermal waters for centuries. Landscapes can be designed to support mental clarity, relaxation, and connection to nature.
  • Application:
    • Incorporate soothing textures, fragrant plants, and gentle water sounds to create a restorative environment. Use quiet seating areas, meandering paths, or meditation niches that encourage visitors to pause and engage their senses. Consider soft lighting, natural materials, and tactile elements like smooth stones, moss, or wooden surfaces to enhance mindfulness and calm.

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Well, botanical enthusiast, I’m guessing you’re probably itching to go soak in a mineral hot spring right about now… and maybe keep an eye out for some of the rare plants that call Hot Springs home.

I hope this post inspired you to go on your own little botanical adventure and maybe even see the park through the eyes of a landscape architect. When you start noticing the plants, the topography, and the way everything is intentionally designed, you gain a whole new appreciation for the place.

As always, if you end up visiting, let me know! I love hearing about your adventures. Leave a comment about what you discovered or send me an email. I’d absolutely love to see what you find out there.

Until the next adventure!