Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations

Thermal Spring Cascades

Two gushing waterfalls of hot spring water within a block of each other. 

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Hot Springs National Park is full of jewels such as the art deco design of the Arlington Hotel and the thermal cascades. The display pool harnesses one of the many hot springs in the area. Gently spilling over a moss-covered rock hill, the water steams into a touch pool, where one can feel the heat of the springs.

The 147 degrees Fahrenheit means the water must be tempered in a bathhouse before bathing. Past the display spring, and up above the bathhouse row, the Hot Water Cascade violently gushes on the side of a cliff. 

Both cascades are must-sees at the national park.  One can even collect the spring water from one of the many public fountains, some tempered, to drink later. Many think the 4,000-year-old water has healing powers. 

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June 8, 2023

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