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Blanchard Springs Caverns: An Underground Wonderland

Explore a breathtaking 'living' cave in Arkansas' Ozark National Forest: guided tours, stunning formations, and year-round beauty.

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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Blanchard Springs Caverns, a 'living' cave system in Arkansas' Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Explore glistening formations, underground streams, and vast chambers on guided tours suitable for various fitness levels. A constant 58°F (14°C) temperature makes it a comfortable year-round destination.

A brief summary to Blanchard Springs Caverns

  • Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance online at Recreation.gov to guarantee entry, as walk-up tickets may not be available.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on paved trails and potentially uneven surfaces.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave maintains a constant temperature of 58°F (14°C).
  • Allow extra travel time due to curvy roads and potential wildlife.
  • Consider visiting other attractions in the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, such as Mirror Lake and the North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Blanchard Springs Caverns is located off Highway 14, approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Mountain View, Arkansas. From Mountain View, take Highway 14 West. Look for the Blanchard Springs Caverns sign and turn right (north). Follow the signs to the visitor center and parking area. Parking is available at the visitor center. A day-use fee of $3 per vehicle may apply in the recreation area.

  • Walking

    From the parking area, follow the paved path to the visitor center entrance. The cave tours begin inside the visitor center. The Dripstone Trail is accessible to wheelchairs with assistance. Please note that the trail has some steep inclines, so at least two capable assistants are needed for wheelchair visitors.

Unlock the Best of Blanchard Springs Caverns

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Discover more about Blanchard Springs Caverns

Blanchard Springs Caverns, nestled in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest near Fifty-Six, Arkansas, is a stunning showcase of nature's artistry. This 'living' cave system is renowned for its glistening formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones, which are continuously evolving due to the ongoing mineral deposition from dripping water. The caverns have a rich history, with evidence suggesting Native American exploration dating back centuries. Systematic explorations in the 1950s and 60s led to the opening of the Dripstone Trail to the public in 1973. Today, the U.S. Forest Service operates and maintains the cave, offering guided tours that highlight the cave's unique geological features and delicate ecosystem. Visitors can choose from several guided tours, each offering a different perspective on the cave's wonders. The Dripstone Trail is a shorter, accessible option suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including wheelchairs with assistance. The Discovery Trail is a more strenuous 1.2-mile (1.9 km) tour that explores the middle level of the caverns, featuring nearly 700 steps. The Wild Cave Tour, currently unavailable, offers an off-trail caving experience for adventurous visitors. The cave's formation began millions of years ago when the region was covered by a shallow sea. Over time, layers of limestone were deposited, and tectonic forces uplifted the area to form the Ozark Plateau. Rainwater, seeping through cracks in the limestone, gradually dissolved the rock, creating the vast cave system we see today. Blanchard Springs Caverns maintains a constant temperature of 58°F (14°C) and near 100% humidity year-round, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended. The Visitor Center offers exhibits, displays, and a gift shop.

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