Venture Over 300-Feet Deep Below The Earth At These One Of A Kind Caverns In Arkansas
By Carol Ann Carson|Published June 21, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
All of Arkansas’ show caves are worth the visit but Blanchard Springs Caverns are a true Arkansas treasure. This living cave will take you deep underground for an unforgettable tour. Let’s descend into the details of this unique cave system.
Please note, Blanchard Springs Caverns has re-opened.
One of Arkansas' most beloved attractions is located deep underground.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is the only cave in the country to be owned by the United States Forest Service. Public tours began in 1973, though the cave's history goes back much further.
Address: 704 Blanchard Springs Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533
As you descend you'll realize just how magnificent these caverns truly are.
Blanchard Springs has three levels that go down to 366-foot below ground. The caverns are estimated at more than 300 million years old, with human remains dating as far back as AD 215. People have always been intrigued by this cave both for its size and unique formations.
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Although the cave is nearly as old as time, no two tours are ever the same.
The cave is considered "living" because the formations are constantly changing. One prime example of this change is the formation called the Giant Flowstone. Its continued growth has kept it as one of the largest formations in the county. It's currently around 164-foot long!
Although you will be underground, the caverns of Blanchard Springs are not at all cramped. The caverns are considered the largest (by volume) in the state. The Cathedral Room is unbelievably vast, it could hold three full-sized football fields!
Touring the cave should be on everyone's Arkansas bucket list.
Of all the natural wonders of the state, Blanchard Springs is easily the biggest must-visit. Three different tours are available at the caverns. The Dripstone Trail is the most accessible and is offered year-round. To go deeper into the caverns try the Discovery Trail and for a true adventure book the Wild Cave Tour. Special events are held here as well like the Caroling in the Caverns during the holidays.
There's still plenty to see in the area after you've resurfaced from the caverns.
Take the Mirror Lake Trail just outside the cave to see the gorgeous waterfall of Mirror Lake. The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area also has camping and other trails to explore as well.
We would love to hear about your Blanchard Springs adventures in the comments below! You can also add your photos to our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
