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Along with its vibrant music scene, which has produced the likes of the universally famed Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley, Tennessee is a world-renowned destination for its natural attractions, including the breathtakingly beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.
While home to several scenic vistas of roaring waterfalls, weaving rivers, and towering mountains, The Volunteer State boasts only a singular hot spring destination. Despite being abundant in the American West, these thermal pools are much rarer in other parts of the country and occur only sporadically in central and eastern states.
Nevertheless, the sole Tennessee hot spring serves as a tranquil respite from the state’s more intrepid attractions and activities. It is a must-visit site for soothing well-worn muscles after exploring Tennessee’s rugged terrains and the Great Smoky Mountains.
From where to find the only naturally occurring thermal pool in Tennessee to the best ways to enjoy the healing properties of the mineral-rich waters, this is everything you need to know about Tennessee hot springs.
Tennessee Hot Springs Map
Are there any hot springs in Tennessee?
The only hot spring experience in Tennessee can be found at Armour’s Hotel and Spa in Red Boiling Springs, a historic mineral bathhouse offering therapeutic soaks in one of the state’s last remaining natural mineral water sources.
Located northeast of Nashville in the Cumberland Mountains, Red Boiling Springs has been a wellness retreat for over a century. Once home to multiple mineral springs resorts, the town saw thousands of visitors in the early 1900s seeking the healing properties of its waters. While many of these historic bathhouses have closed, Armour’s Hotel remains the only mineral bathhouse still in operation.
The town itself is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination, making it a peaceful getaway for relaxation. At Armour’s Hotel, visitors can soak in traditional mineral tubs, try a biomat heated amethyst crystal bed, or experience a vibroacoustic sound massage bed, offering a unique escape from the rush of modern life.
Only Tennessee Hot Springs – Red Boiling Springs
Nestled in the Cumberland Mountains of northern Tennessee, Red Boiling Springs has a long history as a wellness destination, once rivaling famous mineral spring resorts across the country. While Tennessee is not known for geothermal hot springs, the town became renowned for its highly mineralized waters, which were believed to have therapeutic properties.
The mineral springs of Red Boiling Springs were first used by Indigenous tribes before European settlers arrived. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area experienced a boom in spa tourism, with thousands of visitors arriving each year to soak in the mineral-rich waters. By the 1920s and 1930s, Red Boiling Springs had transformed into a bustling resort town, complete with grand hotels, bathhouses, and entertainment venues.
At its peak, the town offered five distinct types of mineral water, each drawn from different natural springs in the region. These included red, black, white, freestone, and sulphur water, all believed to offer various health benefits. With the construction of a stagecoach line in 1873, followed by the rise of automobile travel, Red Boiling Springs became a sought-after wellness retreat for those looking to escape city life.
However, as medical advancements reduced the popularity of mineral water treatments, the town’s spa culture slowly declined. Many of the grand hotels and bathhouses were either abandoned or repurposed. Today, only a handful of historic hotels remain, and Armour’s Hotel & Spa is the last operating mineral bathhouse in Tennessee.
Armour’s Hotel & Spa
Built in 1924, Armour’s Hotel & Spa is the only place in Tennessee where visitors can still experience a traditional mineral bath. The bathhouse features two soaking tubs, with water sourced directly from onsite mineral wells, offering a relaxing and authentic retreat. A one-hour mineral bath session costs $29 per person, while additional treatments like therapy beds and vibroacoustic sessions are available for $29 per person for a 60-minute session. For those looking for a complete wellness experience, the full spa package, which includes both mineral baths and therapy treatments, is available for $49 per person.
Beyond the bathhouse, Armour’s provides a variety of spa services, including massage therapy, heated bio mats using amethyst crystals to improve circulation, and vibroacoustic therapy, a unique relaxation technique using sound and vibration. The hotel’s 24 retro-style rooms blend historic charm with modern convenience, offering complimentary Wi-Fi, private refrigerators, and spacious communal areas for socializing and relaxation.
Located away from tourist crowds, Armour’s Hotel provides a peaceful escape, making it an ideal wellness retreat in Tennessee’s Cumberland Mountains. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a mineral soak, book a rejuvenating spa treatment, or stay overnight in a piece of Tennessee’s spa history, Armour’s Hotel & Spa offers the last opportunity to experience this once-thriving wellness tradition.
