Blanchard Springs Caverns
If you are planning to be traveling anywhere near the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest in northern Arkansas, you should not miss the chance to explore the Blanchard Spring Caverns. It is known for being one of the most carefully developed cave systems in the country and deserves its own spot on this list. The caverns opened for tours in the 1970s and remain the only caves owned by the US government outside of the National Park System.
Blanchard Springs Caverns are often referred to as the Living Cave because their contents are continuously changing. Dripping water regularly deposits calcite onto the rock formations, which continue to grow as a result. Three different tours of the caverns are offered by knowledgeable Forest Service guides. The Dripstone Trail is an easy walk that lets visitors see almost every type of rock formation that exists in the cave system. The Discovery Trail winds through the lower level of the caverns and includes a view of the underground stream. The Wild Cave Tour is a strenuous adventure that explores undeveloped portions of the cave system.
Above ground, Blanchard Springs has even more attractions. Among these are a waterfall and some spectacular springs, which include areas for swimming and fishing. Campsites and hiking and biking trails are also available. Daredevils can try their hand at real spelunking on the guided Wild Cave Tour.
- Tripadvisor Rating: 5.0/5
- Website: https://www.blanchardsprings.org/
- Opening Hours: Wed - Sun 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Admission: between $0 and $12 for regular tours and $85 for the Wild Cave Tour
- Location: 704 Blanchard Springs Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533
