Park/Rec Area: Blanchard Springs Caverns
Region: Ozarks
Length: 1.2 miles
Time: 1.35 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Brochure: Available on request
Location: Off Hwy. 14, 1 miles East of the community of Fifty-Six
Description: The Discovery Trail offers an extended tour of Blanchard Springs Caverns. The trail, 1 1/4 miles long with nearly 700 steps, is not recommended for persons with cardiovascular or respiratory ailments. Guided tours on the Discovery Trail explore the middle level of the caverns, passing beneath the natural entrance and beside the cave stream. This tour experiences both barren, water-carved passages and chambers with spectacular formations. An admission fee is charged. Discovery Trail is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
For Information: Sylamore Ranger District, P.O. Box 1279/Hwy. 14 West, Fifty-Six, AR, 72560, (870) 757-2211
www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark
Park/Rec Area: Blanchard Springs Caverns
Region: Ozarks
Length: 1/2 mile
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Difficulty Comments: Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Brochure: Available from Ranger District address
Location: Off Hwy. 14, 1 mile east of the community of Fifty-Six
Description: One of America's most spectacular caverns is the main attraction of this area. The cavern offers outstanding examples of practically every type of calcite formation found in limestone caves—stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, flowstones, columns, etc. Guided tours are available to take visitors on their choice of two cavern trails. The Dripstone Trail is 1/2 mile long, and is designed to accommodate wheelchairs with assistance. It offers a look at the most spectacular formations. The trail is reached by a 216-foot elevator descent. An admission fee is charged. Dripstone Trail is open year-round.
For Information: Sylamore Ranger District, P.O. Box 1279/Hwy. 14 West, Fifty-Six, AR, 72560, (870) 757-2211
www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark
