Unfortunately, it’s easy to skip over Cave Springs while traversing the NWA area but today the tiny town is getting a well deserved shout out. The tiny town is home to the Illinois River Watershed Sanctuary, a preserved natural area that protects Cave Springs’ cave spring. Let’s take a detour and take the unbelievably pretty trail around this watershed.

Much like the town it’s in, the Illinois River Watershed Sanctuary in Cave Springs is an underrated gem.

Google Maps You can find this little park at 219 S Main St., Cave Springs, AR 72718.

The watershed has two trails that loop the lake, a rain garden, and green roof pavilion.

Courtesy of Author It’s the perfect place for a summer picnic, hike, and mini education session over low-impact agriculture and architecture.

Cave Springs hosts multiple events at the watershed but it’s well worth a visit anytime of the year.

Facebook/City of Cave Springs The next event will be the Bats & Bluegrass in August.

The Woodland Way Trail is a gorgeous 1/2-mile loop that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of NWA.

Courtesy of Author Families will enjoy spotting wildlife along the hillside climb.

The trail will lead you around to a clearing on the other side of the lake that’s perfect for a picnic stop.

Courtesy of Author Sit under the pavilion, view the historic water wheel monument, swing under the tree, and fish at this lovely spot.

You’ll also come across the Cave Spring cave spring.

Facebook/City of Cave Springs The cave is closed off but the entrance can be viewed along a small bridge over the spillway. The cave is home the largest known population of the rare Ozark cavefish as well as a colony of endangered gray bats.

This is one hidden treasure that should not be looked over.

Courtesy of Author

You’ll definitely want to stop by the Cave Springs Coffee Company across the street to recharge after your hike. You can follow their Facebook Page for hours and specials.

Google Maps

You can find this little park at 219 S Main St., Cave Springs, AR 72718.

Courtesy of Author

It’s the perfect place for a summer picnic, hike, and mini education session over low-impact agriculture and architecture.

Facebook/City of Cave Springs

The next event will be the Bats & Bluegrass in August.

Families will enjoy spotting wildlife along the hillside climb.

Sit under the pavilion, view the historic water wheel monument, swing under the tree, and fish at this lovely spot.

The cave is closed off but the entrance can be viewed along a small bridge over the spillway. The cave is home the largest known population of the rare Ozark cavefish as well as a colony of endangered gray bats.

Have you stopped by Cave Springs? Did you enjoy this trail? Share with us in the comments below!

You won’t be too far from the fairy tale park in Fayetteville.

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