The Appalachian Mountains hug the western side of the Tar Heel State where the little town of Hot Springs, North Carolina resides. There are a few options for soaking in this destination about 45 minutes northwest of Asheville. Stay on-site or just use the day spa, open year-round.
Broadwing Farm Cabins – Hot Springs, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Broadwing Farm offers private access to one of the only hot springs aquifers in North Carolina. This organic and wholistic farm has three cabins that visitors can reserve, and each comes with a private hot tub filled with warm water from the natural spring that makes Hot Springs, North …
Broadwing Farm Cabins – Hot Springs, North CarolinaRead More
List of Natural Hot Springs in North Carolina
Nestled nearby the northeastern start of the Great Smoky Mountains, a trip to Hot Springs, NC, brings endless possibilities. Some of the popular places to base your stay are the Hot Springs Resort & Spa, along with the Brondwing Farm. Camping is available too around town or you can park your RV in the national park campgrounds and day trip to hot springs.
Map of Natural Hot Springs in North Carolina
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Guide to North Carolina’s Natural Hot Springs
With 322 miles of coastline, the tallest mountain peak and waterfall in the East, and a diverse variety of prairies, forest, and seaside towns, North Carolina offers some of the most astounding natural scenery east of the Mississippi. This state, one of the original 13 colonies, has a rich offering for every nature explorer, including one notable hot springs destination.
The land of North Carolina can be placed into three categories:
- coastal marshlands,
- the Piedmont,
- and the Appalachian Mountains.
North Carolina’s marshlands are some of the wettest in the country; the interior tidewater areas extend along the coast and beside the famous Outer Banks.
The Piedmont, a word used to describe the land sloping up to a mountain, is marked by thick forests and rolling hills. This area is connected to the coastal by plentiful rivers and divides the ocean from the mountains.
The last area is the mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the largest mountain chain that runs through North Carolina. This mountain chain encompasses the Smokies, the Unaka Mountains, and many more segments. The Appalachian Trail is an iconic path that extends throughout North Carolina.
What about the natural hot springs?
While hot springs are primarily found in the west, there are a few hidden gems for you to find in the east. Hot springs dot the United States and offer visitors, from all over, a chance to dip into mineral waters that had been utilized for hundreds of years by Native Americans, European Settlers, and Americans.
However, there is only one known hot spring in all of North Carolina. It is in Hot Springs, NC just outside of Asheville. Even with 3,820 square miles of inland water, the third-largest supply in the United States, there is only this hot spring. What North Carolina lacks in natural springs though, it makes up in plentiful opportunities for hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
History of Hot Springs
For hundreds of years before Settlers found the natural hot spring deep in the Pisgah National Forest, Native Americans believed in the restorative power of the water. There was a place just five miles away from where Natives held spiritual ceremonies. It was common for Native Americas to utilize the water for dealing with all manner of ailments.
In 1778, European settlers discovered this natural wonder for themselves. Located along the bank of the French Broad River, the warm water flows from inside the earth. It became the focus of attention in the area for anyone who passed by. People, of all types, would venture to the spring and believe in the rejuvenating ability of the mineral water.
In some areas, the water is said to be a piping 108 degrees. Over the years, the town around the natural hot spring grew as buildings and businesses were constructed.
Visiting the Hot Springs today
If you’re planning on visiting North Carolina, it’s worth a stop in Hot Springs. This tiny, historic area has turned into a tourist destination. The tiny town holds less than 1,000 locals and runs primarily on tourism. It’s located along the Appalachian trail and often gets hikers who want to stop for a few days to relax and restore in the therapeutic spring
There are several options for housing, restaurants, and stores. You can stay in private rooms or cottages at many different establishments, such as the Hot Springs Resort or the Broadwing Farm.
There are options for RV hookups, camping sites, and hour-by-hour tub rentals to enjoy the spring. The water is piped into various private tubs that guests and visitors can enjoy This anomaly in North Carolina is well worth the visit!
Beyond the hot springs
North Carolina is a rich vacation spot for a plethora of activities outside of dipping in hot springs. Visitors have endless options for summer and winter activities in the Appalachians, and water sports just off the coast.
Visitors will never run out of things to do in the fresh air that the Tar Heel State provides.
Nearby States with Natural Springs
Learn more about what makes North Carolina famous on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.