The 10 Best Things to Do in Hot Springs, United States

January 18, 2018 Veronika Gaddis

Recently selected as the winner in the best "Small Mountain Town" category of the readers poll from Blue Ridge Outdoors, Hot Springs is attracting visitors from near and far because of its wide variety of things to see and do. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of adventures, including rafting and kayaking on the French Broad River, hiking the Appalachian Trail (which goes through the downtown) and relaxing in the natural hot minteral springs. Hot Springs is also popular destination wedding location. There are many different types of accommodation available - from hotels to B&Bs to private cabins.
Restaurants in Hot Springs

1. French Broad Adventures

9800 US 25/70 Hwy, Marshall, NC 28753
Excellent
92%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

French Broad Adventures

French Broad Rafting and Ziplines is only 24 Miles from Asheville (NC) North Carolina. FBRZ is the closest Asheville zipline /canopy tour and rafting package to Asheville, Johnson City and Greenville SC. The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville NC. Whether it's the adventure and excitement of whitewater rafting or the ease and relaxation of a calm water trip, you are looking for, French Broad Rafting and Ziplines is the adventure outfitter for you, your family, or your group.

Reviewed By Carlos W - Concord, North Carolina

This was our first time zip lining and Matt and D made it a very memorable and fun time. Not pushy at all. These guys were awesome. Definitely will be going back. Next time will be for the zip and dip or the wash and dry...lol. You won’t regret it.

2. Hot Springs Rafting Co.

181 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 242 reviews

Hot Springs Rafting Co.

Reviewed By Julie T

We pulled into town, needing air for our boat and help setting up a shuttle. Needless to say we were aired up and on the river in less than half an hour! Thanks Rodney! Congrats on a great season!Thanks, it’s our pleasure to help out wwhen we can...have a great fall

3. Max Patch

Hot Springs, NC
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 293 reviews

Max Patch

Reviewed By Wanderlust3483

Quick hike up to the top of Max Patch to absolutely stunning views of the mountains. You can see for miles in all directions. It can be pretty windy and chillier at the top, so dress accordingly. Great place to bring your dog and have a picnic. It's a long drive from Asheville through the country, but well worth it.

4. Hot Springs Resort and Spa

315 Bridge Street, Hot Springs, NC 28743 +1 828-622-7676
Excellent
46%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 318 reviews

Hot Springs Resort and Spa

Reviewed By Candy J

We booked a one night stay here in the Wana Luna Suite. It was very nice! We had a very spacious/clean room with a heart shaped Jacuzzi and a nice porch with rocking chairs and a view of the river. It exceeded our expectations and we will be back!

5. USA Raft

13490 US Hwy 25/70, Marshall, NC 28753
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 139 reviews

USA Raft

USA Raft on the Nolichucky and French Broad Rivers. We offer mild to wild whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky, Watauga and French Broad Rivers. We have a beautiful, rustic river-side bunkhouse that sleeps up to 50.Campground next door. We offer full day trips with lunch and half day excursions. Trips start at $40.We also offer wild cave tours. Prepare to get muddy and have some fun underground. Very popular with youth and outdoor groups.

Reviewed By Jaime B

My family of four went rafting on the half day tour today. It was awesome!! My 17 and 13yo had a blast! Our guide, Walker, was great! Cliff diving, splash fights and more. He kept things exciting on the entire trip! Highly recommend USA raft! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

16 S Andrews Ave, Hot Springs, NC 28743-9213 +1 828-622-3573
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Artisun Gallery and Marketplace

Reviewed By DebbyGThree - Dublin, Ohio

We stayed in Hot Springs for 5 days and every morning looked forward to visiting Artisun. The owner, Sunny, was just that! We loved our chats with her and feel like we made a new friend and one that we will miss. We will also miss the coffee and fresh baked scones that were to die for!! We wish you many blessings and hope our paths cross again. God Bless. Debby and Steve Poe

7. Nantahala Outdoor Center

9825 Highway 25/70, Marshall, NC 28753
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 60 reviews

Nantahala Outdoor Center

If you're looking for family-friendly white water rafting only minutes from downtown Asheville, check out the scenic French Broad River with Nantahala Outdoor Center. On NOC's French Broad rafting trips, you'll explore the third-oldest river in the world, located deep in the rugged Pisgah National Forest. You will learn about the rich history of this river, from its earliest native American settlers to the industrialization of Asheville. You will also see abudant wildlife, including heron and kingfishers, bald eagles, and even an occasional black bear. With its splashy Class II and III rapids, NOC's French Broad rafting trips are ideal for families, children, and young teenagers. The full-day trip finishes with Frank Bell's Rapid, a thrilling Class IV drop, and features a delicious riverside gourmet lunch prepared fresh daily.

Reviewed By TStan91 - North Carolina

This was a fantastic half day experience for our family to newby rafters. The staff was excellent and entertaining. Harrison was hilarious and knowledgeable with great charisma. Jenn was a great guide and added great context to the sights around us on the trip down. The trip was safe and exciting. I will definitely return next time we are in Ashville.

8. Lovers Leap Loop Trail

Hot Springs, NC 28743
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Lovers Leap Loop Trail

Reviewed By GoneChopin - Tucson, Arizona

My husband and I hiked this trail - about 2 miles. We definitely had to do some research prior to going, otherwise we wouldn't have known where it was (or where to turn to loop back to Hot Springs)! Follow the white stripes on the bridge heading out of town (across the French Broad River). Then the trail turns right and descends below the road. You'll walk past some little cabins and see the trailhead.

But the views were beautiful, and it's fun to say we hiked part of the Appalachian Trail! We met a number of serious hikers who were friendly - makes us want to hike the whole thing!

9. Laurel River Trail

Junction of US-25 N/US-70 W and NC208, Hot Springs, NC
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Laurel River Trail

Reviewed By FulhamPete - East Sussex, United Kingdom

The trail starts beside the gravel parking lot on US 70, just south of the junction with NC208. It follows an old railroad (all removed, just the track bed left) alongside Laurel Creek for just under 4 miles to the junction with French Broad River. Pretty easy going, the trail is fairly level, though it's a bit rocky underfoot in places. We actually stopped about half way at a shady spot beside some rapids for a quiet picnic, watching the fish and listening to the birds, before returning the same route. A nice easy day out.

10. Appalachian Oasis

Hot Springs, NC 28743 +1 828-622-9622
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Appalachian Oasis

We offer onsite Massage Therapy and/or a Private Chef. We have 60 minute or 100 minute massage sessions -or you can let us create an entire spa day for you and your friends.

Reviewed By Kelli3789 - Huntingdon, Tennessee

We had an in cabin couple massage for our anniversary in Clyde, NC....Leah was very professional and was happy to set us up...there were some technical difficulties with email, but we go it worked out. Leah and Martha were very friendly, and let us decide if we wanted conversation or not...my husband went to sleep on the table, lol...which tells you how relaxed he was. We would definitely use them again if ever in the area and highly recommend them.

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