Page 4 - TR Explore Stone County 2020

4SS SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • EXPLORE STONE COUNTY
‘BLANCH OUT’
Stone County area is home to many great attractions
BY CODY GRAVES / CREATIVE SERVICES WRITER e city of Mountain View has a pletho-
ra of great activities for families and friends alike, but there are many inviting areas to ex- plore beyond the city limits.
Whether one is looking to hike, explore or mountain-bike, Stone County has many great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS
Formed over millions of years, Blanchard Springs Caverns, just about a half-hour drive north of Mountain View, provides visitors with an experience that showcases the won- der of the world under the Ozark Mountains.
ere are three di erent tours of this “living” cave, including the Dripstone and Discovery Trails, the Discovery in the Dark Headlamp
Tour and the Wild Cave Tour. ese tours are led by Forest Service guides, who tell guests about the various formations found in the cave.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a cool way to beat the summer heat because the cave stays a comfortable 58 degrees year-round. Tours take between 90 minutes and four hours, and the cost varies. For more information, visit blanchardsprings.org.
BLANCHARD SPRINGS RECREATION AREA AND BLANCHARD SPRINGS FALLS
Located near Blanchard Springs Caverns, Blanchard Springs Campground has 18 indi- vidual campsites and two group sites that are suitable for smaller RVs and tents. Campsites have grills, tables, lantern poles and tent pads.
e recreation area also has a paved path
STACI VANDAGRIFF/THREE RIVERS EDITION
The Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, which runs through part of Stone County has been designated as an International Mountain Biking Association EPIC Trail for technical and physical challenges.
that leads to Blanchard Springs Falls, which is where the springs exit the caverns. Also near- by is Mirror Lake, where anglers can sh for rainbow trout.
OZARK-ST. FRANCIS NATIONAL FORESTS
With Stone County being in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat. ere are many great opportu- nities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, river oating, shing and much more in these two geographically and biologically distinct forests.
Located in the St. Francis National For- est, the North Sylamore Creek Trail gives hikers a chance to see a wide variety of land- scapes. e trail’s original 13.75-mile section now extends from Barkshed Campground to the new trailhead on Cripple Turkey Road, where it intersects the Ozark Highlands Trail. Camping is allowed on this trail at three de- veloped recreation areas: Blanchard Springs, Gunner Pool and Barkshed.
For more information, visit fs.usda.gov.
SYLLAMO MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
With access at the trailhead at Blanchard Springs Caverns, the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail is a 50-mile, intercon- necting loop mountain-bike trail system that has been designated as an EPIC trail by the International Mountain Biking As- sociation. at designation highlights trails that are “technically and physically chal- lenging, beautiful to behold and worthy of celebration.” e trail is open to hikers and backpackers as well. For more information, visit fs.usda.gov.
STEELE FALLS TRAIL
Located near Calico Rock, Steele Falls Trail is a 2.6-mile trail that leads to Steele Falls. e waterfall is about 60 feet tall and is fed by three springs. e trail itself isn’t too di cult and is accessible year-round.
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On the square in downtown Mt. View