The natural resources of Hot Springs National Park are squarely focused on its namesake, the thermal hot springs and their recharge zone. The mountain lands surrounding the historic bathhouse row of the park have "historically been managed to present a scenic backdrop...and to provide opportunities for outdoor relaxation and exercise associated with the 'cure'" (NPS, 1986). Visitors have been attracted to the area in general and specifically the hot springs of bathhouse row since before the park's inception. For most, the surrounding mountains were scenery which would aid in enjoying the more immediate benefits of the thermal springs.