Home to natural hot springs, the surrounding Pisgah National Forest, and good ole small town charm, Hot Springs, NC is a must-see when exploring the Tennessee/North Carolina border.
Plus, it’s just 45 minutes outside of Asheville and its position on the French Broad River provides ample things to do in Hot Springs.
I had the pleasure of spending the weekend in Hot Springs and this is what I recommend to anyone visiting. Here’s what to do in Hot Springs, NC.
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Why visit Hot Springs, NC?
Right on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, Hot Springs is a hot spot for any outdoor enthusiast, craft beer lovers, or anyone looking for a relaxing day out.
Hot Springs is, as the name suggests, known for its natural hot spring minerals. One of the best reasons to visit Hot Springs is the soak in the mineral water tubs. The experience will leave your skin and body feeling amazing.
Beyond that, the area is ideal for hiking on and off the Appalachian Trail, floating down the French Broad River, exploring little shops and enjoying live music and drinks at its local brewery and taqueria.
So, let’s get into all the best things to do in Hot Springs, NC.
Things to Do in Hot Springs, NC
Make the most of your itinerary with this guide on what to do in Hot Springs.
Lover’s Leap Trail
If you are looking to enjoy some of the best views of Hot Springs, the surrounding mountains, and French Broad River, the Lover’s Leap Trail is one of the best hikes.
It’s a moderate 1.6 mile loop that stretches into the Appalachian Trail. You’ll get a little bit of everything from woodlands, mushrooms, mossy walls, expansive river views, and vistas of the mountainous landscapes.
Personally, I can’t wait to return and do this hike again in fall. The foliage is going to look incredible at the 1,000 feet elevation gain.
French Broad River
If you are visiting during the warmer months, you can swim in the French Broad River. There is also the option to rent rafts or floats in town. The center of the river moves pretty quickly in some areas and would be a lot of fun to float down.
Otherwise, you can walk along the banks and enjoy the majestic views of the river and surrounding natural scenery.
Big Pillow Brewing Company
Probably one of the best places when considering what to do in Hot Springs, NC, Big Pillow Brewing Company. They are known for their craft beers, guest taps, and live music in their beer garden.
It’s a lively place where everyone tends to gather. They have board games, lots of live music on the weekends, and there’s a taqueria onsite with delicious tacos, street corn, burritos, rice bowls, and other Latin-inspired dishes.
Spring Creek Tavern
For more of a bar & grill vibe, Spring Creek Tavern overlooks a creek that leads into the French Broad River.
The theme of the tavern is Grateful Dead, and you’ll be able to find a lot of live music going on at this Hot Springs, NC restaurant as well.
The menu is mainly pub food like tots, hamburgers, and garden salads. In terms of food, I recommend the Grey Eagle Taqueria (part of the Big Pillow Brewing Company) over the menu at the Spring Creek Tavern.
However, if you’d like to have a couple of drinks and enjoy the outdoor patio with creekside views, it’s definitely a lovely thing to do in Hot Springs!
Hot Springs Resort And Spa - Hot Mineral Springs
Surely you can’t visit a place called Hot Springs without enjoying hot springs. This is where you’ll go if you want to soak in the natural mineral water and enjoy gorgeous river and creek views in a private setting.
They have a lot of different mineral bath rentals. They are all private, meaning you don’t have to wear a swimsuit in the tubs. It’s a great feeling to strip down and let the hot spring water soothe your body!
The hot tub rentals are usually 1 hour, which is plenty of time to get a good soak. We visited at 7:30 in the evening in August and the water was warm and comfortable, even in the summer heat.
You can choose between a standard or deluxe mineral bath. The deluxe has a bit more space and privacy compared to the standard option. The hot tub rentals range from $50-$70, depending on the time of day and the tub you choose.
See more about Hot Springs mineral bath rentals here. The rentals are open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Local Shopping
There are usually vendors set up on weekends in Hot Springs. During our last trip we saw leather goods, tie dye shirts, jewelry, and a lovely Irish lady selling handmade soaps, shampoo bars, deodorant and other body care items.
If you want to help support local businesses and individuals in the area, buying something from the vendors is a great way to do that!
Artisun Gallery and Cafe
For coffee and pastries, one of the best places to visit in Hot Spring NC is Artisun Gallery and Cafe.
It’s a charming place and it’s much more than a coffee shop. You’ll also find local artwork, gifts, and unique souvenirs all within a cozy space. Definitely a good place to stop for a warm dream on a cool fall trip to Hot Springs.
The cafe is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Other Things to Do Near Hot Springs, North Carolina
Here are some other highlights when planning what to do in Hot Springs, NC.
Asheville: A gem of the Appalachian, Asheville is a vibrant small city with lots of things to do from cool music venues, the iconic Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and more. It’s a very eco-friendly city with a laidback energy.
Maggie Valley: Another adorable Appalachian town worth exploring with a weekend in Hot Springs.
Marshall: One of my favorite North Carolina towns! Marshall is super adorable and just 20 minutes outside of Hot Springs, also located on the French Broad River.
Hartford: In Tennessee, this is a fantastic base for all sorts of Smoky Mountain hiking.
Gatlinburg: One of the most famous towns in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a hub for entertainment, hikes, and scenery. It’s also close to DollyWood and other tourist attractions. See my non-touristy guide to Gatlinburg for more.
