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Blanchard Springs Caverns: A Living Underground Wonder

Discover a breathtaking underground world at Blanchard Springs Caverns, featuring stunning formations and guided tours in the Ozark National Forest.

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Explore the depths of Blanchard Springs Caverns, a stunning cave system in Arkansas' Ozark National Forest. With glistening formations, guided tours, and a constant 58-degree temperature, it's a unique natural attraction for all ages.

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, as walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket, as the cave temperature is a constant 58 degrees.
  • Allow extra travel time due to road work and curvy roads in the Ozark National Forest.
  • Visit the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area for hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Blanchard Springs Caverns is located off Highway 14, a short distance north of Mountain View, Arkansas. From Mountain View, take Highway 14 West for approximately 12 miles. Turn right at the Blanchard Springs Caverns sign and follow the signs to the visitor center. Parking is available at the visitor center. Be aware that the roads in the Ozark National Forest can be curvy, so allow extra travel time. Parking fee of $3 per vehicle.

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 mesmerizing cave system renowned for its stunning beauty and status as a 'living cave'. This means the cave's formations, like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones, are continuously evolving due to the ongoing mineral deposits from dripping water. Discovered in the 1950s and opened to the public in 1973, the caverns offer a glimpse into a subterranean world shaped over millions of years. The cave system consists of three levels, with guided tours available for visitors to explore different sections. The Dripstone Trail is the most accessible tour, featuring a half-mile paved path through elaborately decorated areas. Wheelchairs and strollers can navigate this trail with assistance. The Discovery Trail is more strenuous, descending 366 feet and stretching 1.2 miles with nearly 700 steps. This tour explores the lower level and follows the path of early cave explorers. For the adventurous, the Wild Cave Tour (currently unavailable) offers a chance to explore undeveloped sections, requiring climbing, crawling, and a willingness to get dirty. The caverns maintain a constant 58-degree temperature year-round, providing a cool escape. The cave system is home to various cave life, including bats and salamanders. Blanchard Springs Caverns is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is the only tourist cave owned by the federal government outside the National Park System. Visitors can also enjoy the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, which offers camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing opportunities. Mirror Lake, created by a CCC-built dam, is regularly stocked with rainbow trout.

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