Top 3 Lakes around Hot Springs

For families, Fall Creek Falls at Lake Catherine State Park offers a sandy swim beach and hiking trails to a picturesque waterfall. Lake Hamilton is also excellent, with attractions like the National Park Duck Tours and the Bell of Hot Springs riverboat, alongside boat rentals and parasailing. DeGray Lake features five public beaches and Arkansas's only resort state park with activities like disc golf and horseback riding.

The region offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Lake Ouachita is renowned as the "Striped Bass Capital of the World" and is excellent for largemouth bass. Lake Hamilton provides a variety of species including bass, walleye, crappie, and stocked rainbow trout. Lake Catherine and DeGray Lake are also highly regarded for bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye, while Lake Greeson is a favorite for its excellent fishing conditions.

Yes, there are many trails. Lake Catherine State Park offers trails like the Falls Branch Trail leading to a waterfall. Lake Greeson is surrounded by over 45 miles of scenic trails. For more general hiking, you can explore city hikes around Hot Springs, which include trails like Oertel Trail and Gulpha Gorge Trail.

The lakes are perfect for various water sports. Lake Ouachita's clear waters are ideal for scuba diving, sailing, boating, and water skiing. Lake Hamilton offers boat rentals, water skiing, and parasailing. DeGray Lake is a hub for swimming, boating, sailing, diving, and houseboating, while Lake Greeson is particularly popular for kayaking.

Lake Ouachita is often celebrated as one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest with over 100 uninhabited islands. DeGray Lake is also known for its exceptionally clean water and pristine shoreline, making both excellent choices for enjoying natural beauty.

Yes, Lake Ouachita is ideal for primitive camping, boasting over 100 uninhabited islands where you can set up camp. This offers a truly remote and natural experience within the Ouachita National Forest.

Lake Ouachita is known for its pristine, undeveloped natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and extensive primitive camping on islands. It's the largest lake entirely within Arkansas. Lake Hamilton, on the other hand, is closer to downtown Hot Springs, with a more developed shoreline featuring restaurants, resorts, and urban amenities, offering a blend of recreation and convenience.

The Waterworks Trailhead at Northwoods Park, located on Bethel Lake, offers excellent access to trails and lakes. It provides parking, bike wash and repair stations, drinking fountains, and porta-potties, making it a convenient starting point for your adventures.

Yes, Daisy State Park on Lake Greeson offers unique yurt accommodations in addition to traditional campsites. DeGray Lake Resort State Park, on DeGray Lake, is Arkansas's only resort state park, providing a range of amenities and lodging options.

You can enjoy scenic views of Bethel Lake from the Waterworks Trailhead and along the Bearcat Pass trail. Dillon Lake offers beautiful vistas from the Sanderson Pass bridge and along the Rockhound and Yaupon Yop trails. Additionally, the Bridge Over Sanderson Pass Dam provides a scenic perspective between Sanderson and Dillon Lakes.

Beyond water activities and hiking, you can find other outdoor pursuits. DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers disc golf and horseback riding. For cycling enthusiasts, there are various road cycling routes around Hot Springs, including loops from the Jean White Wallace Wetlands Trailhead. Running trails are also available, such as those found in running guides around Hot Springs.