Mineral Springs North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mineral Springs, North Carolina.
1. Mineral Springs Greenway
SCENIC HIKING TRAILS
Mineral Springs Greenway offers visitors beautiful hiking trails through the natural landscape of North Carolina. Visitors can experience the local flora and fauna while enjoying outdoor recreation on well-maintained paths. The greenway provides a peaceful escape for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike.
2. The Dreamchaser's Brewery
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
The Dreamchaser's Brewery serves up locally crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can sample a variety of beer styles while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff. The brewery often features special events and has become a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists.
3. Mineral Springs Park
HISTORIC NATURAL SPRING
Mineral Springs Park showcases the historic mineral spring that gave the town its name. The park features a unique stack-rock wall beneath Mineral Spring Drive that historians continue to research for its historical significance. Visitors can appreciate both natural beauty and local history in this charming community space.
4. Hot Springs Resort & Spa
NATURAL MINERAL BATHS
Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers visitors the chance to soak in natural mineral hot springs, the only ones of their kind in North Carolina. The resort features 12 outdoor mineral baths in modern Jacuzzi-type pools, each providing some privacy with temperatures ranging from 100F to 104F. Though damaged by Hurricane Helene in October 2024, this historic attraction has welcomed visitors seeking therapeutic waters for hundreds of years.
5. Appalachian Trail
LEGENDARY HIKING EXPERIENCE
The Appalachian Trail passes directly through Hot Springs, making it one of the few towns where hikers can walk on the legendary trail and explore a mountain community in the same visit. This famous long-distance hiking trail draws thousands of adventure seekers from around the world every year. Visitors can take anything from a short stroll to a multi-day trek on this iconic trail system.
6. Max Patch
STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Max Patch is a stunning bald mountain summit near Hot Springs offering panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. This popular hiking destination features wide-open grassy meadows that are perfect for picnicking, photography, and stargazing. Visitors particularly enjoy the spectacular sunrises and sunsets visible from this elevated natural landmark.
7. French Broad River
WHITEWATER ADVENTURE DESTINATION
The French Broad River flows through Hot Springs, offering excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. This historic waterway converges with Spring Creek right in town, creating a scenic backdrop for numerous recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy both peaceful floating sections and more challenging rapids depending on their adventure preferences.
8. Pisgah National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS PARADISE
Pisgah National Forest encompasses over 500,000 acres of mountain terrain, offering endless outdoor recreation opportunities near Hot Springs. Visitors can explore cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and scenic mountain vistas through an extensive network of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The forest's diverse ecosystem makes it perfect for wildlife viewing, photography, and connecting with nature.
9. Hot Springs Campground
RIVERSIDE CAMPING RETREAT
Hot Springs Campground offers over 100 tent sites, eight primitive cabins, and spaces for RVs with both partial and full hook-ups. Located directly across from the Hot Springs Resort & Spa, campers have easy access to the natural mineral baths that made the town famous. Seasonal hot showers and bathrooms add comfort to this scenic riverside camping experience.
10. Hot Springs Mountain Festival
TRADITIONAL MOUNTAIN CELEBRATION
The Hot Springs Mountain Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region with traditional music, crafts, and food. This annual gathering supports local artists and the community while drawing participants from across the country. Visitors can experience authentic mountain culture through performances, demonstrations, and interactive activities in this charming historic town.
11. Appalachian Trail Festival
HIKER'S COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Appalachian Trail Festival in Hot Springs honors the iconic trail that runs through the heart of town. Hikers, trail enthusiasts, and the local community come together to celebrate outdoor adventure and the trail's cultural significance. The festival typically features speakers, workshops, vendor booths, and opportunities to connect with fellow hiking enthusiasts.
12. Topgolf Charlotte - University
HIGH-TECH GOLF ENTERTAINMENT
Topgolf Charlotte - University combines the traditional sport of golf with innovative technology and entertainment. The facility features climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort, allowing visitors to enjoy the game regardless of weather conditions. Beyond golf, guests can indulge in chef-inspired food and beverage options while socializing in this modern sports venue.
13. Local Hot Springs Restaurants
MOUNTAIN CULINARY SCENE
Hot Springs restaurants surprise visitors with a variety of unique dining establishments serving fresh and creative cuisine. Many venues feature occasional live music, adding to the vibrant cultural atmosphere of this small mountain town. These eateries focus on nourishing ingredients perfect for refueling after a day of outdoor adventures in the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
14. Hot Springs Art Galleries
LOCAL MOUNTAIN ARTISTRY
Hot Springs art galleries showcase the work of talented local and regional artists inspired by the surrounding mountain landscape. These intimate exhibition spaces feature diverse mediums including painting, pottery, sculpture, and handcrafted goods. Visitors can appreciate Appalachian artistic traditions while having the opportunity to purchase unique pieces directly from the creative community.
15. Jonesville Mineral Spring
HISTORIC WATER SOURCE
Jonesville Mineral Spring is a historic natural spring with cultural significance to the local area. The site features a stack-rock wall beneath Mineral Spring Drive that historians continue to research for its historical context. Located along River Road, the spring provides insight into the natural resources that have shaped local development and history.