Caves of the Central Arkansas Ozarks
The limestone karst topography of the Ozarks is riddled with caves and caverns. Many of these caves are "living" caves, meaning the formations are still changing as mineral deposits from dripping water continue to add to the shapes inside the cave.
Most of the caves stay between upper-50 to low-60 degrees all year long, and are damp and sometimes muddy. In winter, the inside of a cave feels warm, and in the summer, the coolness is a nice break from a hot Ozarks afternoon.
The Underground World Awaits!
Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome Cavern Located in a region of Arkansas settled around 1830, and probably known by early settlers and native Americans. Opened for tours in the early 1920s, but closed intermittently. In 1967, during driveway construction, dirt cut from the side of the hill revealed the undisturbed cavern now named "Crystal Dome." Located on AR Scenic Hwy 7, 8 miles south of Harrison. 888-743-1739.
Blanchard Springs Caverns Operated by the US Forest Service. Guided tours. The cave is lighted, with paved trails and handrails on two trails of different length and difficulty. Also an undeveloped section for more serious cavers to explore during a wild cave adventure. Non-slip shoes and a jacket recommended. 15 NW of Mountain View, off Hwy 14. Click for tour times and reservations.
Hurricane River Cave
Year-round springs converge at the cave entrance. The site was used by prehistoric Native Americans, outlaws, and creatures of all kinds. Fossil crinoids are found in the rocks, free for the taking. Guided tour, plus a guided extreme caving tour (3-5 hours and more than a mile of mud, wading, swimming, crawling and rock climbing.) 588 Impulse Dr, Pindal. 870-429-6200.
Bull Shoals Caverns
Tour approx. 45 minutes long. Non-slip footwear recommended. Cave has an underground river, camel crickets, bats, salamanders. In Bull Shoals. 870-445-7177.
If you crave still more cave adventures, War Eagle Cavern, Onyx Cave Park and Cosmic Cavern are all found in NW Arkansas, a few hours' drive away.
