by Amelia Bines

Created on: June 22, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

When you think of the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, crystal clear lakes, and amazing 147 degree thermal springs, only one place comes to mind: Hot Springs, AR.

It is no surprise that Hot Springs was named for the beautiful flowing springs it is popular for. These all-natural flowing springs are the reason Hot Springs National Park is the oldest park in the National Park System. Congress established it as Hot Springs Reservation on April 20, 1832 in order to protect the thermal waters flowing from the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain. They changed the name to Hot Springs National Park on March 4, 1921.

Anyone that has visited this majestic area of the city of Hot Springs is singing Congress's praises. Today you can pull up your pants legs and walk around in the nearly scalding hot waters collected in thermal baths as they pour down the side of Hot Springs Mountain. As long as you're comfortable relaxing your feet in the same water as complete strangers that wander to the baths, you are welcome to do so.

If you are more of the active type, head up Hot Springs Mountain or any hiking trail the Ouachita's have to offer. Choose the hiking level you desire, from easy, medium, or advanced. A trek uphill will not only provide you with a fantastic workout, but will also expose you to the reason Arkansas is labeled "The Natural State." With trees, streams, and boulders galore, you will no doubt be in nature lover's heaven. Remember the bug spray if you enjoy summer hikes and you will be A-Okay.

Once you top the mountain, you can buy a ticket for the elevator ride of a lifetime. Hot Springs National Tower has offered its guests a stunning panorama-encompassing 140-mile view of the beautiful city and wilderness below since 1877. In order to gain access to the top of the tower and its indoor/outdoor observatory, you must climb aboard a clear elevator. You can look out in wonder, or horror if you are afraid of heights like I am, as you travel to the top of the 75-foot tower. As someone that had my first honeymoon picture taken atop the tower, I can assure you that the view is simply breathtaking.

Hot Springs is host to some of the most beautiful lakes in the state of Arkansas. Thanks to Hot Spring's typically mild winters, you will find water lovers skiing, scuba diving, jet skiing, and boating on these pristine waters every month of the year. Be watchful of boats displaying scuba flags so you are not tracked down and mysteriously end up missing later in the day.

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