Outdoors

Discover the beauty of Arkansas with our favorite outdoor activities in Hot Springs:

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Explore a world-class 210 acre botanical garden on Lake Hamilton where delicate flora and fauna live beneath soaring pine trees that form a protective canopy. With 4 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of garden variety to discover. Each season provides beauty, with winter camellias and daffodils, spring tulips and azaleas, summer roses, and fall mums—it’s a sight to behold. From mid-November through December, the Holiday of Lights is a must-see.

Hiking

Great options abound from fairly easy to difficult trails. We keep several hiking maps and directions at the inn.

• Hot Springs National Park trails in the historic downtown. Maps at the National Park Visitor Center
• Lake Catherine State Park (our personal fav), especially the Falls Trail leading to a waterfall.
• Lake Ouachita State Park, with views of the pristine lake

Mountain Biking

Some of the best mountain bike trails in the country are nearby:

• Northwoods Trail, just outside of town
• Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, with views overlooking the lake
• Womble Trail, following the Ouachita River near Mt. Ida

Water Sports

Enjoy one of the Inn’s many non-motorized water toys. Paddle around with the inn’s red canoe, enjoy a solo kayak alone or take two kayaks out for fun on Lake Hamilton with your significant other. There is also a tandem kayak for the two of you. Not interested in using your arms to paddle? We have a 4-person pedal-boat so you can sit and pedal your way to beautiful scenery. Or just jump in for a swim in warm water – stop by the front desk to grab beach towels for all of your lake activities. Or rent a boat (or bring your own) on Lake Hamilton and enjoy exploring the lake. We have an extra slip and parking for up to two additional boats at our private dock for our in-house guests. Launch at the Fish Hatchery for free, as we have no boat launch on property. Add the fun of tubing or skiing and it’s a day of fun.

Crystal Mining

The area is famous for quartz crystals found in the Ouachita Mountains. Check out Ron Coleman’s Crystal Mine, where you will always come away with beautiful crystals that you actually found. Plan to get dirty, and we’ll provide dark towels for you.

Zip Lining

A few zipline outfitters are available at: Ron Coleman’s Crystal Mine, Catherine’s Landing, and Ouachita Bend Zip Lines.

Fishing

Beyond Lake Hamilton, nearby lakes Catherine, Ouachita and DeGray offer terrific fishing opportunities. Our lake is stocked with prize winning fish throughout the summer, with thousands of prize dollars given for the tagged fish. You are welcome to fish from our dock, or bring your own fishing boat. To fish with a pro, check out an area fishing guide.