Hot Springs, Arkansas absolutely rips. We rolled into town expecting killer mountain biking… and left wondering why this place isn’t on every rider’s road trip list. World-class singletrack, a National Park, crystal mining, roller coasters, botanical gardens, insane food, and enough adventure to keep you busy for days. If you’re looking for an epic MTB destination that has way more than just trails, here’s exactly how we’d do it.
RIDE Northwoods Trails is the reason we came… and it did not disappoint. With 30+ miles of purpose-built singletrack, you’ll find flow, tech, jumps, rock slabs, berms, and features that’ll keep you grinning all day. We liked it so much we rode it twice. If you’re into mountain bikes, Northwoods is worth the trip by itself.
EAT You can’t ride all day on an empty stomach. Superior Bathhouse Brewery — The only brewery inside a National Park and the only one in the world brewing beer with thermal spring water. Great burgers and legit root beer. Taco Mama — Fish tacos, lobster shrimp tamales, fresh salsa… everything we tried slapped. Kollective Coffee & Tea — Coffee first. Ride second. Cool Fact – Kollective is the first shop to serve Onyx outside of NWA! SQZBX Brewery & Pizza — Awesome pizza, delish caprese salad, live music vibes, and one of the coolest patios in town. Fisherman’s Wharf — Fresh seafood and killer Lake Hamilton views after a long day on the bike. Although Dex didn’t love his first oyster, we did love everything else about this place. The Pancake Shop — Giant pancakes, fresh-squeezed OJ, and exactly what your legs are begging for before another ride. The Pho House — the most delicious spring rolls and pho. Thai tea and Vietnamese coffee got us back to adventuring. Stubby’s BBQ — End the trip with smoked meat and zero regrets.
PLAY When you’re not shredding, Hot Springs has plenty to keep the stoke rolling. Take in the views from Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Magic Springs Theme & Water Park was a blast! Dex really loved the wave pool, and Mama Bear loved watching me wipe out on the Boogie Blast. Wander through Garvan Woodland Gardens and check out the insanely cool Anthony Chapel. Watch the world’s largest indoor Tesla Coil fire up at the Mid-America Science Museum. Dig for real quartz crystals and hit the zip lines at Ron Coleman Crystal Mine.
STAY We crashed at In the Trees, and it was the perfect setup. Quiet cabin in the woods, close to the trails, and an awesome place to kick back after riding all day. Hot Springs is seriously one of the most underrated adventure towns we’ve been to. You can spend the morning shredding world-class singletrack, crush amazing food, and spend the afternoon doing stuff you won’t find anywhere else. We’ll definitely be back.
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