A Photo Tour Through Hot Springs, North Carolina

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By wesrouse

Hot Sptings is a small town (locate in the middle of the map above) in the mountains of the Smokey Mountains National Park. It has the distinction of being one of the few towns where the Appalachian Trail goes through the town. In Hot Springs it proceeds right down main street, or more accurately Bridge Street. These photos were taken in April, 2011, spring in all its glory in the mountains of North Carolina.

The town is very small with few stores, but there is lodging available from throw-a-mattress-on-the-floor to elegant bed and breakfast cottages. There are a few eating places. None are fast food and don't expect any five course meal places, but every restaurant serves delicious, nutritious southern cooking.

One highlight is the spa that uses the water from the springs for which the town is named. They have mineral water hot tubs, facials, massages, etc. I received my first massage, and it was wonderful. Don't miss the spa when you visit Hot Springs.

When we were there, there were hikers everywhere, The downtown is pretty much devoted to hikers as it is the first really good resting area after getting on the Trail in Georgia. I was quite impressed with the hikers. I found them jovial, intelligent, and more contented than most of us. I think they know something we don't. I walked a little while on the trail along the French Broad River just to be able to say I walked the Appalachian Trail and felt something wonderful tugging me to come on down; there is something amazing and astonishing just over the next hill. I'm adding that to my bucket list.

Now enjoy your visit to Hot Springs

The highway sign as you enter Hot Springs
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The highway sign as you enter Hot Springs
Hiker just arriving walking down main street,  Hot Springs, North Carolina, United States of America
Hiker just arriving walking down main street, Hot Springs, North Carolina, United States of America
Stores along Bridge Street
Stores along Bridge Street
More stores in downtown
More stores in downtown
Appalachian Trail marker in sidewalk
Appalachian Trail marker in sidewalk
Hiker planning the rest of his trip
Hiker planning the rest of his trip
Hikers taking it easy in motel
Hikers taking it easy in motel
Plaque on Bridge Street commorating Appalachian Trail
Plaque on Bridge Street commorating Appalachian Trail
Spa and mineral springs baths
Spa and mineral springs baths
Marker outside spa
Marker outside spa
Group at an early hotel near the hot springs now in ruins
Group at an early hotel near the hot springs now in ruins
The up and down nature of Hot Springs with the beautiful spring flowering trees.
The up and down nature of Hot Springs with the beautiful spring flowering trees.
Wonderful house near the French Broad River
Wonderful house near the French Broad River
An idyllic creek flows majestically right through town.
An idyllic creek flows majestically right through town.
House nestled on a forested hill overlooking the river.  Wouldn't you like to live here?
House nestled on a forested hill overlooking the river. Wouldn't you like to live here?
Magnolia tree flowers
Magnolia tree flowers
Hikers heading to the Trail
Hikers heading to the Trail
Passing the French Broad River as you leave town
Passing the French Broad River as you leave town
Entering the Appalachian Trail with only two thousand miles to go
Entering the Appalachian Trail with only two thousand miles to go
Hot Springs of North Carolina
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Comments

lmmartin profile image

lmmartin Level 6 Commenter 13 months ago

A beautiful tour. Wish I'd been there. Thanks for sharing this. Lynda

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