Blanchard Springs Offers 'Amazing World' Above Caverns
October 2001

by Craig Ogilvie, travel writer
Department of Parks and Tourism

MOUNTAIN VIEW - The cool days of autumn and winter are perfect for exploring the natural wonders above Blanchard Springs Caverns. While the grandeur of the caverns captures the attention of most visitors, another world awaits those interested in hiking, camping, fishing, or just nature watching during an Ozarks respite.

"Many first-time cavern visitors are surprised by the scenic beauty and outdoor opportunities offered here," says Caverns Manager Bob Reeves. "And a favorite time to enjoy the forest and recreational areas is during the dormant season after the leaves fall."

Blanchard Springs Recreational Area is some 15 miles north of Mountain View, off State Hwy. 14. A Forest Service road winds around and over the hills, passes by the Caverns entrance and descends a long, steep hill to the recreational area. Due to the dependable water flow from the springs, this picturesque valley has been occupied for centuries, first by Native Americans and then by Ozark pioneers during the mid-1800s.

A barrier-free trail along Mill Creek offers a view of the ghostly remains of a water-powered mill that once served the farming community. Nearby, a massive stone dam, built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps, creates Mirror Lake where rainbow trout are regularly stocked by the state Game and Fish Commission. Also, smallmouth bass are found in pools along the area's two creeks.

The underground stream flowing through the lower levels of the caverns exits with great force (7,000 gallons per minute) at Blanchard Springs. A boardwalk and paved nature trail take visitors within a few yards of the rushing water, which is adjacent to another handsome example of CCC craftsmanship. A colonial-style arched stone bridge, which once served traffic entering the area, is still used as a parking area turn-around.

A short distance from the springhead, a 160-ft. sandstone bluff towers above and creates a dramatic backdrop for a picnic site and large amphitheater, where nature programs and entertainment are scheduled during warm seasons. Also, situated alongside North Sylamore Creek, are additional picnic sites with grills and fresh water, restrooms, bathhouses, a pavilion (with electricity) and a swimming area.

For those who can't get enough during the day, the Forest Service maintains 32 creek-side campsites at two locations. Both offer restrooms, a bathhouse and paved roads - but no hookups or electricity. Camping fees are $10 per night, and stays are limited to five consecutive nights during the summer and 14-consecutive nights between Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends. Two other nearby campgrounds, Gunner Pool and Barkshed, are located in the Sylamore District as well. Both are more secluded than Blanchard and are located along gravel roads.

Connecting these campgrounds is the Sylamore Creek Trail, which veteran hikers proclaim as one of the state's most scenic with panoramic views, natural "calico" limestone bluffs, rare plants and flowers, plus the sights and sounds of the crystal-clear and soothing waters. Though not a looping trail, the trail parallels the stream and can be divided into three sections with the campgrounds providing good stopping points for leisurely backpackers. Maps of the trail, which begins at Allison on the White River, are available at the Ozark Interpretive Association bookstore, located in the visitor center complex at Blanchard Springs Caverns.

Suggested driving tours inside the forest district include Push Mountain Road (Hwy. 341) between Norfork and Big Flat, which skirts the Leatherwood Wilderness Area. Scenic roads near Blanchard Springs include Hwy. 14 (Mountain View to Yellville); Hwy. 9 (Mountain View to Melbourne) and Hwy. 5 (Mountain View to Norfork). Limited use of off-road vehicles is permitted in some areas of the district but all vehicles must be registered and follow regulations. No developed campsites are located within the 17,000-acre wilderness area, and mechanized vehicles are not permitted.

The Sylamore District also offers two horse trails. Both loops start at the same location where parking, hitch rails and a wheelchair- accessible ramp are provided. Trail maps are available at the Blanchard Springs Caverns visitor center. Hunting is permitted, with restrictions near all developed areas, within the forest. State regulations apply to hunting and fishing anywhere in the 130,000-acre Sylamore District.

Blanchard Springs Caverns, the centerpiece of the Sylamore Ranger District of the Ozark National Forest, was opened to public tours in 1973 after almost 10 years of environmentally-conscious development. It is ranked among the outstanding underground discoveries of the 20th century. Best of all, it remains a "living" cave in part because of the care given by visitors and the U.S. Forest Service. Living caves are ones experiencing slow metamorphosis due to minerals deposited by seeping and dripping water.

Two guided tours are available during the fall and winter seasons, which start after the Labor Day weekend. Dripstone Trail winds through the uppermost level of the cave system and offers views of the most colorful and decorative calcite formations. From Nov. 1 through March 31, tours are available Wednesdays through Sundays only. Facilities are also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and during extreme winter weather. Dripstone is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs with strong assistance from others.

The Wild Cave Tour, by reservation only, is a strenuous trip through undeveloped areas and requires climbing and crawling. Open throughout the year, it is designed for the adventurous and physically fit cave explorer.

A third tour, Discovery Trail, is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. It explores the lower levels of the massive cavern system, which extends over six miles of explored passageways. The Discovery Trail, with over 600 stairsteps and more than a mile in length, is not recommended for physically challenged visitors. All tours start with an elevator ride 216 feet down to the Cathedral Room, which is longer than four football fields and taller than a six-story building.

The visitor center includes a cave exhibit, movie theater (with free introductory film), bookstore and restrooms. Current cavern tour rates are $9 for adults, $5 for children. Golden Age Passports are honored, and group rates are available with advanced notice. The special Wild Cave Tour is $65 and limited to a minimum of three but no more than 12 persons. Other restrictions apply and reservations are required.

For more information on camping, hiking or cavern tours, call (870) 757-2211 or toll-free at 888-757-2246. The Blanchard Springs Caverns website is www:fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark/recreation/bsc.

This release, along with others by the Department of Parks & Tourism, is available electronically through the Arkansas Press Association Bulletin Board: apa@lr.cleaf.com (in-state only) and the Department's Web site: www.arkansas.com under media information.

Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR  72201, 501-682-7606.
E-Mail:  info@arkansas.com