What is the secret of the hot springs Arkansas?

An underground stone arch aquifer winds through the heart of downtown Hot Springs and Bathhouse Row, a secret that many longtime residents of Hot Springs don't know about, covers the Hot Springs Creek and leads the creek and stormwater runoff from the northern mountains to Lake Hamilton.



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Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Hot Springs National Park owe their existence to an array of springs that still supply naturally heated water for thermal baths. The historic Fordyce Bathhouse, located on famous Bathhouse Row, serves as the park's visitor center.

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Local legend speaks of the thermal springs as constituting a neutral ground in which various tribes, even at war, could co-exist in peace, at least temporarily.

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The naturally high temperatures of the spring water make the water unsafe for bathing, so think twice before you dip your toes in. Fortunately, there are other options at the park that make it possible to submerse yourself in the therapeutic waters at a safe temperature.

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Milky White This is due to the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide in the water, which transforms into insoluble colloidal particles. The colloidal particles make the water appear milky white.

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It's not just the heat that challenges life's survival in hot springs. Some springs have water that is very acidic, others have water that is extremely alkaline. Gases at concentrations poisonous to humans, and other animals, bubble up with the water.

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Although not scientifically proven to be “magic”, hot springs are known for their healing properties, which is why humans have been taking advantage of them for thousands of years.

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Within the Park, there are 3 places where you can touch the thermal water. Even though the water comes out of the ground at 147 degrees F, it is cool enough to touch by the time it reaches the pools.

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Although the popular resort town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, has restaurants serving every sort meal, from pancakes and bacon & eggs to Argentinian coffee and regal steaks, its culinary claim to fame is barbecue. In this beautiful mountain getaway are two of the nation's greatest barbecue parlors.

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The minerals that make hot springs soaks so good for your health—sulfur in particular—can also generate an egg-like scent. The minerals are dissolved by the warm water as it comes to the surface from deep underground, so the amount of sulfur in the soil makes a difference.

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At some hot springs, especially ones located in the backcountry, clothing is optional. Before you go, check out the policy on nudity at hot springs. At Diamond Fork Hot Springs here in Utah, nudity is actually illegal and more often than not, there are kids at the hot springs.

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While clothing may be optional at your desired hot spring, it's always smart to have one on hand!

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