Grayson, Arkansas is located in Arkansas. Whether you’re looking to see natural attractions or enjoy the city’s nightlife, there are plenty of places to visit in the surrounding area. The city is home to several natural attractions, including Blanchard Springs Caverns, Beech-Hemlock Forest Trail, Lick Falls Trail, Christ of the Ozarks, and more.
Blanchard Springs Caverns
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a cave system located in Stone County, Arkansas. It is a short drive off Highway 14 and just north of Mountain View. Visitors can tour the cave system in about an hour. It has a total length of over 2 miles and is the perfect destination for families and groups.
Visitors can experience the natural beauty of the cave system, including its unique geology and formations. The cave is approximately 350 million years old and is the largest of its kind in volume. The limestone rock was laid down in an ancient sea, forming the cave’s formation. It is located in lower Mississippian to middle Ordovician rocks. It is over five levels deep, with formations on each level.
The cave system is home to a variety of animals. The Ozark blind salamander, the first cave-dwelling amphibian in North America, is native to the area. The cave is a rich source of bacteria, mold, and fungus, and it is inhabited by a number of different types of creatures. Insects, crickets, and snails are also found in the cave system.
One of the highlights of visiting Blanchard Springs Caverns is the underground river. Visitors can follow the river, admire the lava formations, and discover the unique habitat of cave salamanders and bats. There are three levels of the Caverns available to the public. The first level is open for guided tours. The second level is undeveloped and is open to the public. Visitors can rent tents and camp out in the campground. The campground offers restrooms and drinking water stations.
The Dripstone Trail is the most accessible tour of the caverns. This one-hour tour will take you down 216 feet beneath the surface and through the most decorated section of the caverns. You’ll see a natural bridge and two rooms filled with stalactites. You can also view a six-story stone column in the Cathedral Room. The Cathedral Room is also home to Caroling in the Caverns.
The Discovery Trail is another tour that allows visitors to explore the lower level of the cave. This 1.2-mile adventure will require a good level of physical fitness, sturdy boots, and plenty of layers of clothing and a raincoat. Be prepared to get muddy; the tour isn’t for the faint of heart.
Beech-Hemlock Forest Trail
If you’re looking for a great hike or bike ride, consider the Beech-Hemlock Forest Trail in the small town of Grayson, Arkansas. This hiking trail circles Grayson Lake, a popular recreational area in the area. The park is also home to an 18-hole golf course. Camping is also available at the park, with utility hookups and nearby restrooms.
The trail features a few accommodations along the way, including two shelters. One shelter is located about halfway along the trail, while the other is about 10 miles away. You can sleep in either of these shelters, or you can camp in the forest. The author, who is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas at Austin, recommends bug spray and a swimsuit. The trail is best hiked during the autumn or winter, when the leaves change colors.
Lick Falls Trail
If you’re interested in exploring nature, check out the Lick Falls Trail, places to visit in grayson, Arkansas. This trail is almost two miles long and is an excellent way to spend the day in the park. You can also visit Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which contains more than four thousand acres of public land. This park is a great place for hiking and camping. You can find an offline trail map and more information at the park’s website.
This 5.4-mile loop follows the Big South Fork and offers views of the area. You’ll also find plenty of rock scrambling, beautiful water features, and a bit of challenge. You can also extend your hike by taking the Twin Arches Loop Trail, which goes to the historic Charit Creek Lodge.
Another reason to visit the area in the fall is to take part in the local fall festival. This event draws tens of thousands of visitors every year. This festival celebrates Appalachian culture and features apple cider, apple pie, and the “best apple butter anywhere.” Proceeds from the event benefit local vendors and the Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad.
The trail has 21 log shelters, which are spaced every 10 miles. You can camp along the trail, or choose your own campsite. The trail is a great option for families with children. A good map and bug spray are necessary. And don’t forget to pack a swimsuit.
Christ of the Ozarks
Christ of the Ozarks is an impressive statue of Jesus, located on Magnetic Mountain near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The statue was erected in 1966 as part of the Sacred Project. It stands 65.5 feet tall. The statue is an edifying destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Christ of the Ozarks is a massive, stylized statue of Jesus. It has attracted visitors from all over the world. The statue is so tall that it is visible from miles away. It was constructed by the same sculptor who made the Mt. Rushmore sculpture.
Christ of the Ozarks Places to Visit in Grayson, Arkansas includes a visit to the statue. The statue is situated near the Great Passion Play park, which is run by a nonprofit organization. The play, which depicts the life of Christ, features 150 actors. The play has been operating since 1968 but briefly closed in 2012 due to bankruptcy. However, a new owner recently reopened the show.
The Christ of the Ozarks Statue is a seven-story structure with 24 layers of white mortar on a steel frame. It is surrounded by scaffolding and an elevator. The statue sits on Magnetic Mountain, 1,500 feet above sea level.