Spend The Weekend At Blanchard Springs Rec Area To Explore Above And Below Arkansas
By Carol Ann Carson|Published October 17, 2020
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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.
Blanchard Springs is known for its incredible cave tours, but the caves aren’t the only thing to see here! A weekend away will let you explore above and below Arkansas. Let’s pack a tent, head to the rec area, and fully explore this series of adventures.
Please note, due to COVID-19 the caverns are currently closed. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a future trip! Be sure to follow the USDA Forest Service website for up-to-date news.
Most folks associate Blanchard Springs with cave tours, after all that is what the area is most famous for!
Everyone should have a Blanchard Springs cave tour on their bucket list. The cavern opens up to a jaw-dropping area dubbed the Cathedral Room - it's large enough to hold three football fields! For tour information head to their website here.
However, the underground isn't the only thing to explore while you're here.
The caverns are part of the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, a fabulous camping spot! The campground has 32 campsites as well as two group camps. The sites do not have electricity but there is a bath house with hot showers nearby. This is the perfect place to spend the weekend while you explore around the area.
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One of the most treasured spots surface-side of Blanchard Springs is Mirror Lake.
Behind the caverns, just south of the campground is Mirror Lake. This exquisite 3-acre lake is fed by Blanchard Springs. Taking a photo of the reflective water is a must-do while you're here.
The dam was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps with hard-carved stones and concrete. The cascade is always picture-perfect but even more impressive in person. During the warmer months the downstream creek can be a wading spot as well!
In addition to sightseeing, there's plenty of activities to do while you're here.
The lake is a thriving spot for rainbow trout because of its clean, 58° water. You can also pack your pole and hit the nearby North Sylamore Creek, too.
Mirror Lake and the caverns are popular go-to spots but that's not the end of our adventures!
You can get (safely) lost in the woods on the collection of trails around the rec area. Jacks Branch and the Bad Branch Loop offer forested paths for hikers and cyclists. Get your GPS-friendly maps of the trails right here.
Between the trails, camping, and activities above and below ground, your trip to Blanchard Springs will be filled with fun!
Reservations for the campground can be made here. You can also find additional information by visiting the USDA Forest Service website.
What’s your favorite thing to do around Blanchard Springs? Share with us in the comments below or post your pictures in 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.
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