Big Chalybeate Spring
Big Chalybeate Spring flows at 79 degrees Fahrenheit within Hot Springs National Park in Garland County, emerging 16.3 degrees above ambient temperature just 43 meters from the nearest road. This spring offers roadside accessibility to genuine thermal water with remarkably clean mineral composition featuring very low sodium at 1.3 milligrams per liter.
The spring emerges at 689 feet elevation in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains within Hot Springs National Park. The landscape features forested mountainous terrain where average annual temperature reaches 62.7 degrees Fahrenheit with annual precipitation of 50.9 inches and minimal snow at 3.5 inches. The water chemistry—TDS 196 mg/L, calcium 67 mg/L, minimal magnesium at 2.9 mg/L—reflects shallow aquifer circulation rather than deep thermal circulation, creating unusually pure thermal water for the region.
Big Chalybeate Spring's name reflects its historical identification by mineral composition. Chalybeate" refers to iron-bearing springs
though the water shows only trace iron (13 micrograms per liter). The spring has served visitors to Hot Springs since the 1800s as part of the region's thermal spring tradition. Its accessible location and clean mineral water made it popular for both bathing and drinking historically."
Is Big Chalybeate Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Big Chalybeate Spring is neutral (pH 7.2) with 196 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Overview Brady Mountain Campground delights visitors with its family-friendly facilities, fabulous views and idyllic placement on Arkansas's Lake Ouachita. The lake attracts visitors who come for the crystal clear waters and bountiful fishing opportunities. Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour. Recreation A unique way to explore the lake is to follow the Geo-Float Trail, coined as the first water-based interpretive trail included in the National Trails System. The self-guided boat...