North Carolina is known for its scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, charming small towns, and rich history, but few visitors realize it’s also home to one of the only natural hot springs in the eastern United States. While geothermal pools are common in the American West, they are a rarity east of the Mississippi—making Hot Springs, North Carolina, a one-of-a-kind destination for travelers seeking a relaxing thermal soak in the heart of the Appalachians.

Tucked along the banks of the French Broad River, this historic mineral spring has been drawing visitors for centuries, from early Indigenous peoples who revered its healing waters to 19th-century travelers seeking therapeutic relief. Today, it remains a peaceful retreat for those looking to unwind in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Here’s everything you need to know about where to find the best North Carolina hot springs.

North Carolina Hot Springs Map

Are there even hot springs in North Carolina?

Yes, but just one natural hot spring exists in North Carolina, located in the town of Hot Springs, NC. Unlike the geothermal-rich regions of the western United States, hot springs are rare in the East. The mineral-rich waters here maintain an average temperature of about 106°F, offering a soothing and therapeutic soaking experience.

The hot spring itself is found at Hot Springs Resort & Spa, where visitors can soak in private outdoor tubs filled with mineral-rich water sourced directly from the spring. Additionally, Broadwing Farm Cabins provides another way to experience these geothermal waters, drawing from the same underground aquifer that feeds the hot spring.

Both locations allow visitors to immerse themselves in North Carolina’s only naturally heated mineral waters, making Hot Springs, NC, a truly unique destination in the region.

The History of Hot Springs in North Carolina

The town of Hot Springs, North Carolina, takes its name from the state’s only natural hot spring, a thermal mineral pool tucked deep within Pisgah National Forest. While European settlers first documented the springs in 1778, their healing waters had long been revered by Indigenous peoples, who considered them a sacred source of rejuvenation.

Following its discovery by settlers, a small outpost was established near the springs, eventually growing into the community of Hot Springs that remains today. By the 19th century, the site had transformed into a thriving health retreat, attracting visitors seeking relief in its steaming waters. Grand hotels and bathhouses were built, cementing its status as a premier wellness destination in the eastern United States.

More than two centuries later, visitors continue to soak in these historic waters, embracing the same therapeutic experience that generations before them once cherished.

The Best North Carolina Hot Springs

Broadwing Farm Cabins

Located just outside the town of Hot Springs, NC, Broadwing Farm Cabins offers private soaking tubs fed by the same underground aquifer as the region’s only natural hot spring. Each cabin features an outdoor tub with water heated up to 104°F, set in a peaceful forest setting.

The farm also includes organic gardens, open space, and access to scenic local trails — perfect for guests seeking a quiet escape into nature.

Hot Springs Resort & Spa

This 100-acre resort in the Appalachian Mountains offers private tubs filled with natural mineral water, spa treatments, lodging, and outdoor adventure. The hot spring has welcomed visitors for over two centuries.

With views of the French Broad River, hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere, this resort is a top choice for rest and wellness in North Carolina.