Hot Springs, North Carolina: A Photo Tour Through This Delightful Appalachian Trail Village

Hot Springs 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 tight through the middle of 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