Blanchard Springs Caverns

The caverns are advertised as the main attraction in the park, and there are four tours of varying distance and difficulty, plus two tours for photographers, but the valley below the spring is not to be missed. The paved trail to the spring is accessible to all, and the icy spring water keeps the valley cooler in hot weather. Fisherman can try their luck in Mirror Lake; there is a campground and hiking trails, no electric sites. Location: north of Mountain View off Hwy 14.

Blanchard Spring

CCC gatehouse above spring

Spring branch

Pedestal Rock Scenic Area

A lovely 2.6 mile trail along a ridgeline of broken and eroded sandstone that created “pedestal” formations, with a bonus of expansive vistas of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Can be combined with the adjoining Kings Bluff Trail for a 4.6 mile hike. Day use only. Location: East of Pelsor/Sand Gap off Hwy 16. Turn right at Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area.

Pedestal Rock

Trail overlook

Alum Cove Recreation Area

Main feature is a natural bridge 130 feet long and 20 feet wide. The 1.1 mile trail includes a loop that goes over and under the bridge. Day use only, no camping. Group picnic pavilion, 7 picnic tables with fire rings and vault toilets. Drinking water available April through September. Location: 15 miles south of Jasper on 7, then southwest 1 mile on 16 towards Deer, then northwest on 327/County Road 28 for 1 mile. Turn right at sign for Alum Cove Recreation Area onto 184.