So you want to go caving …

One way to try caving for the first time is to sign up for a “wild cave” commercial tour. Blanchard Springs, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, offers one of the country’s best wild caving experiences, but unfortunately, they remain closed because of covid-19. However, some privately owned caves have reopened with social distancing in place. Cosmic Cavern in Berryville is currently offering its wild caving tour, as is War Eagle Cavern near Rogers. Such tours usually require reservations, sturdy boots and old clothes that will soon be muddy from crawling and scrambling over rocks.

For larger group outings, the owner of Blowing Cave near Cushman will sometimes rent out the entire cave. If you prefer well-lighted pathways over crawling in mud, many Arkansas show caves are now open for traditional tours. Show caves in Texas, Missouri and Tennessee have also begun reopening tours and wild caving.

Another way to go caving in Arkansas is to join a local cave club. Called “grottos,” the state’s six local clubs are affiliated with the National Speleological Society, which offers a wealth of advice for new cavers on its website. The most interesting caves in the state tend to be north of Interstate 40, so the grottos are concentrated in northern counties, with the exception of the Little Rock Grotto. Contact an individual grotto through its website — many require newcomers to attend a meeting before planning their first trip.

Bear in mind that even before covid-19, bats in the eastern United States, including Arkansas, had been decimated by a fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome. This means that many wild caves are closed during the winter when bats are hibernating and especially vulnerable to the disease. Some caves containing endangered bat populations, such as those at Devil’s Den State Park, could be closed to caving for several years as the bats recover.