In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most stunning mineral springs in the U.S. We will also talk about the difference between a hot spring and mineral springs and how to determine the difference.
* Pro Tip: Test the water temperature first *
< Click here > for a full list of geographically recognized thermal springs and their details from the NCEI Geothermal Database
💧America’s Thermal Spring Complete List Including Details and Coordinates
Alaska – pg. 6-8
Arizona – pg. 8-10
Arkansas – pg. 10
California – pg. 10-18
Colorado – pg. 18-19
Florida – pg.19
Georgia – pg. 19
Hawaii – pg. 19
Idaho – pg. 19-25
Massachusetts – pg. 25
Montana – pg.25-27
Nevada – pg. 27-35
New Mexico – pg. 35-36
New York – pg. 36
North Carolina – pg. 36
Oregon – pg. 37-40
South Dakota – pg. 40
Texas – pg. 40
Utah – pg. 40-43
Virginia – pg. 43
Washington – pg. 43-44
West Virginia – 44
Wyoming – 44-48
^^Note: The file can be found under ‘documentation’ & is 66 pages long. For a quick reference to each state, click the 💧 button above ^^
Related Article: The Best Hot Springs In The Southern States
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* Pro Tip: bring a towel *
Considering Where To Travel
Hot Spring VS. Mineral Spring – What’s The Difference?
✅ Key Difference:
- Hot springs are naturally heated (typically ≥ 95°F) by geothermal energy.
- Mineral springs may have therapeutic value due to high mineral content but are often cool or only mildly warm.
* Pro Tip: Leave no trace *
Examining Geothermal Activity Throughout Regions
🌋 Western U.S. (High Geothermal Activity)
| State | Average Hot Spring Temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 120–170°F (49–77°C) | Yellowstone features extremely hot, often view-only springs. |
| Idaho | 95–110°F (35–43°C) | Many soakable springs in natural river settings. |
| Montana | 100–115°F (38–46°C) | Mix of resort and primitive springs. |
| Nevada | 100–130°F (38–54°C) | Most geothermal hot springs in the U.S., many remote and wild. |
| Utah | 95–112°F (35–44°C) | Moderate temperatures; Meadow and Mystic hot springs are popular. |
| California | 100–140°F (38–60°C) | Hot Creek can spike above 160°F; other springs are resort-moderated. |
| Oregon | 98–108°F (37–42°C) | Popular springs like Umpqua, Terwilliger (Cougar) stay within this range. |
| Colorado | 95–115°F (35–46°C) | Soakable springs are often moderated for comfort. |
| Alaska | 100–110°F (38–43°C) | Chena and Manley hot springs maintain consistent warmth. |
| Washington | 95–110°F (35–43°C) | Fewer springs, mostly around the Cascade Range. |
| New Mexico | 98–110°F (37–43°C) | A variety of primitive and resort springs (e.g., Jemez Springs). |
🏞️ Midwestern & Central U.S.
| State | Average Temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 95–105°F (35–41°C) | Evans Plunge in Hot Springs uses natural mineral water. |
| Nebraska/Kansas | Few or no notable hot springs | Not enough geothermal activity. |
| Texas | 100–110°F (38–43°C) | Big Bend’s hot springs are modest in size but naturally heated. |
🌄 Eastern U.S.
| State | Average Temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 95–106°F (35–41°C) | Jefferson Pools are historically famous, but currently under renovation. |
| West Virginia | 98–108°F (37–42°C) | Berkeley Springs offers warm mineral waters. |
| Arkansas | 98–104°F (37–40°C) | Hot Springs National Park features thermally heated water (view-only). |
| Georgia/North Carolina | Limited/no true hot springs | Some mineral springs, but not geothermally active. |
Click on each of the 📍to explore each state further
📍Florida
Florida isn’t widely known for hot springs as the water does not get hot enough for traditional soaking, but it does offer a few warm mineral springs that provide a relaxing escape. Springs like Warm Mineral Springs near Sarasota and Homosassa Springs offer naturally heated waters rich in minerals, believed to have therapeutic benefits.
Mineral Springs in Florida:
- Warm Mineral Springs (North Port) – the largest warm mineral spring in the U.S.
- Offers a historic spa facility with soaking pools and therapeutic treatments
- Weeki Wachee Springs (Weeki Wachee) – Famous for its crystal-clear spring
- Nearby springs offer spots to relax and enjoy the natural setting
- Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (Homosassa) – Great for nature viewing
- Soaking isn’t allowed in the springs, but you can enjoy nearby warm waters
- Blue Spring State Park (Orange City) – Famous manatee refuge
- No hot soaking, but great for swimming and wildlife watching in warm mineral water
- Silver Springs State Park (Ocala) – Crystal-clear mineral springs feeding the Silver River
- Ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming in mineral-rich waters
Best Time to visit Florida mineral springs if on a budget: Feb-Apr & Oct-Dec
📍 Georgia
Georgia is home to 17 documented natural springs, including a mix of warm mineral springs and cooler mineral-fed waters. President Franklin D. Roosevelt put Warm Springs on the map as he moved to the area seeking healing capabilities the naturally mineral-rich warm waters. The small-town atmosphere, scenic rolling hills, and spa-style soaking experiences make Georgia’s mineral springs a relaxing stop for travelers looking to unwind and explore a quieter side of the South.
Mineral Springs in Georgia
| Spring Name | Location | Water Temp | Access / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Springs | Warm Springs, GA | ~88 °F | Historic therapeutic spring used by FDR; part of Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute |
| Radium Springs | Albany, GA | ~68 °F | Viewing-only, one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders |
| Lifsey Spring | Near Zebulon, GA | ~78 °F | Free, rustic soaking pool; still open to the public |
📍 New York
While New York isn’t known for natural hot springs in the traditional geothermal sense, it does have several mineral spring destinations rooted in wellness history. Public fountains, spa treatments, and bathhouses are found throughout the region. For a soothing retreat with a blend of history, charm, and wellness, New York’s mineral springs—especially in the Saratoga Spa State Park area—offer a unique and tranquil experience.
2-Day Budget Itinerary: Saratoga Springs Mineral Springs Experience
Best Time to Visit: Spring–early fall
Day 1: Explore Saratoga Spa State Park
- Saratoga Spa State Park
- Walk the Mineral Springs Trail
- Sample from springs
- Victoria Pool ($8–$10 entry in summer)
Camp at nearby Moreau Lake State Park (~$20–$25/night)
Day 2: Soak, Spa & Scenic Drive
- Roosevelt Baths & Spa – 20-minute bath soak (~$40–$50)
- Canfield Casino museum
- Drive scenic Route 9 to Ballston Spa
- Visit Old Iron Spring
- Moreau Lake for swimming, kayaking, or a short hike
🛁 Perfect Trip Flow
- Arrive mid-morning: settle in and start with a Standard Mineral Bath.
- Explore local trails or float down the French Broad River.
- In the late afternoon, indulge in a Deluxe or Premium bath—ideal in cooler weather.
- Spend the night camping or in a cabin, making early-morning relaxation effortless.
📍North Carolina
North Carolina is home to one famous natural hot spring destination: Hot Springs, NC, a small mountain town tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 45 minutes from Asheville.
Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Best Time to Visit
- Spring or Fall (Mar–May, Sept–Nov) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and optimal soaking conditions.
- Winter can be charming, with daytime temps in the 40s–50s°F and soaking in tubs warmed to about 102–103°F feels especially cozy
Average Water Temperature
- Water flows at a comfortable 100–103°F—warm enough to ease muscles, but not too hot for extended soaks
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Private tubs | Towels not provided—bring your own. In colder months, wear a hat or robe when exiting the tub. |
| Bring essentials | Towels not provided—bring your own. In colder months, wear a hat or robe when exiting the tub . |
| Book ahead | Evening or weekend baths fill quickly—especially Premium tubs with fire features—so reserve early. |
📍 Virginia
While Virginia doesn’t have geothermal hot springs like those in the western U.S., it does have a few historic mineral spring destinations.
✅ Tips for Visiting Hot Springs, Virginia
- Book in Advance – The Omni Homestead Resort and nearby accommodations can fill up during weekends and peak foliage or ski season (fall/winter).
- Visit in Fall or Spring – Mild weather, mountain views, and fewer crowds; plus, soaking in warm water feels great on cooler days.
- Pair with Outdoor Adventure – The George Washington & Jefferson National Forests offer hiking, fishing, and scenic drives nearby.
- Explore the History – Warm Springs and Hot Springs, VA, are rich with historic architecture, spa traditions, and presidential visits.
- Watch for Jefferson Pools Updates – These historic bathhouses have been undergoing preservation efforts; check locally for reopening news.
Top Mineral Spring Destinations in Virginia
| Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| The Omni Homestead Resort (Hot Springs, VA) | Historic luxury resort built around natural warm springs (~98°F); outdoor spa garden, soaking pools, and private tubs |
| Jefferson Pools (Warm Springs, VA) | Natural springs visited by Thomas Jefferson; currently under restoration (expected reopening: TBD) |
| Healing Springs Cabin Rentals (near Warm Springs) | Private mineral spring experiences in a peaceful mountain setting |
📍 West Virginia
West Virginia doesn’t have many traditional geothermal hot springs like those out West, but it is known for its historic mineral spring resorts that once drew health-seekers from around the country.
Top Mineral Spring Destinations in West Virginia
| Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Berkeley Springs State Park (Berkeley Springs, WV) | Historic Roman-style bathhouse with warm mineral waters (~74.3°F); spa services and public bathhouses |
| Capon Springs & Farms (High View, WV) | All-inclusive resort with soaking tubs, spring-fed pool, and historic grounds |
| Sweet Springs Resort Park (Sweet Springs, WV) | Historic 18th-century spring complex under gradual restoration (not currently for soaking) |
| White Sulphur Springs (at The Greenbrier Resort) | Once visited by U.S. presidents; mineral spring now part of luxury resort atmosphere |
💧 Free Mineral Springs in West Virginia
| Spring | Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Berkeley Springs State Park | Berkeley Springs, WV | Public mineral spring taps & spring-fed pools; bring your own jug to fill up! |
| Healing Waters Park (Town Spring) | White Sulphur Springs, WV | Historic spring in a public park; free to visit and explore, no soaking tub |
| Sweet Springs (view only) | Sweet Springs, WV | Historic spring site with large limestone spring pool; currently no public soaking |
| Capon Springs (limited access) | High View, WV | Free-flowing spring available to drink from (soaking access is resort-based) |
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