Blanchard Springs Caverns
Fifty-Six, Arkansas
Blanchard Springs Caverns in Fifty-Six, Arkansas is a show cave (tour guided) system featuring 8.1 miles of surveyed passages and a vertical relief of 366 ft. Rated under wheelchair accessible sections accessibility, exploring this cavern requires adherence to White-Nose Syndrome bat decontamination protocols, sturdy footwear, and three independent light sources.
Speleological Profile
Described as one of the Forest Service's greatest engineering achievements, Blanchard Springs Caverns is an active 'living' cave in the Ozarks where mineral-rich water continues to grow delicate formations daily. The Cathedral Room is longer than three football fields and could host a football game beneath its vaulted ceiling. Flowstone waterfalls, crystalline rimstone dams, and glittering bacon draperies line the paved accessible walkways.
Famous Chambers & Features
- Enormous Cathedral Room spanning 1,200 feet
- Giant flowstone draperies actively growing today
- Roaring underground river feeding Blanchard Springs pool
- Expert Forest Service speleological interpretation
Required Speleology & Exploration Gear
Leave No Trace Underground & Cave Conservation
- •Strictly follow White-Nose Syndrome footwear sanitization mats upon exit to shield Ozark big-eared bat roosts.
- •No food, drinks, or chewing gum allowed inside the cave to avoid attracting invasive surface rodents.
Visitor Information
US Forest Service guided tour reservations through Recreation.gov.
Mandatory boot bio-sanitization before entry and upon exit.