Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a small town in Madison County built around natural warm mineral springs that maintain steady temperatures year-round. The area sits surrounded by forested hills, with facilities that allow visitors to soak in the nutrient-rich waters.

The town formed after the springs were discovered in the 1820s, when word spread about their healing powers. It gradually grew from a small settlement into a destination where people from the surrounding region came to bathe and recover.

The springs served as a gathering place where locals and travelers mixed, sharing stories while soaking in the warm waters. Today, buildings and pathways around the site still reflect this tradition of community gathering and wellness.

The town is easily reached by car along local roads with parking near the bathing facilities. Bring light, quick-drying clothes and check operating hours ahead of time, as they may vary by season.

The spring is fed by underground circulation through rock that naturally heats the water without volcanic activity or other external heat sources. This makes it an unusual example of geothermal function in a region where such geology is typically absent.

Location: Madison County

Inception: 1828

Elevation above the sea: 406 m

Website: http://hotspringsnc.org

GPS coordinates: 35.89200,-82.82900

Latest update: December 26, 2025 10:46