Blanchard Springs Caverns

I visited Blanchard Springs Caverns when I was very young. As the name indicates, there is a very large spring that gushes from the caves. The water collects in a large pool and is extremely cold. I was walking in the water when I cut my foot on a very sharp piece of flint.

A bright red cloud quickly swelled around my foot, and the water was so cold (and flint so sharp!), I had no other indication that I had been injured. I pulled my bloody foot out and a very concerned Asian couple came over and asked (in less-than-fluent English) if I was all right. They probably thought I was in pain, but actually I couldn’t feel anything at all. I somehow managed to explain that I was ok, and my parents bandaged up my foot.

Unfortunately, the wound meant no swimming later, since it would have been at risk of getting infected. Next time, I’m wearing my Vibram FiveFingers!

I have been camping there a couple of times. It is beautiful and if you are visiting Arkansas you should for sure go there!

Visiting these caves with my dad is one of my fondest memories of him. You’re not allowed to touch anything except for a single dead stalagtite.

There’s two tours through the caverns, one is an easy walk with strollers, the other has some stairs.

http://www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark/recreation/caverns.html