Natural Wonders
North Florida is home to world famous natural beauty yours for the exploring. But don’t take our word for it–see for yourself!
Florida Caverns
One of the few state parks with dry (air-filled) caves and the only state park in Florida to offer cave tours to the public. The caverns have dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies. The Chipola River and Blue Hole spring provide areas for fishing, canoeing and boating. Florida Caverns State Park is popular for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. The park also features a nine-hole golf course set in beautiful rolling terrain.
Located three miles north of Marianna on State Road 166.
Blue Springs Recreational Area
Blue Springs is a first magnitude spring world renowned for scuba diving for its complex underwater cave system. The spring supplies water to a 202 acre reservoir known as Merritt’s Millpond, a nationally known fishing site. The recreation area is great for swimming, picnicking, and limited SCUBA training and exploration. Merritt’s Millpond serves as one of Jackson County’s most popular fishing and boating areas. Located approximately five miles east of Marianna.
Seacrest Wolf Preserve
Seacrest Wolf Preserve is open year round to visitors and offers a very rare and exciting hands on opportunity with wolves. The wolf encounter tours offer an opportunity for all visitors over the age of 10 to become a part of a wolf pack as they learn important scientific information about wolves that will inspire desires for wolf and wildlife conservation. The small animal adventure is a part of the tour package and visitors have an opportunity to interact with skunks, foxes, raccoons, and meet Pecos the Coyote.
Area Hiking Trails
North Florida is home to world famous natural beauty yours for the exploring. But don’t take our word for it–see for yourself!
Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail
The Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail is a one-half mile long multi-use trail that offers access to historic Bellamy Bridge. Located off State Road 162 just west of the Chipola River, the trail passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Florida. Rare and endangered plant species have been identified along the path which also provides access to part of the Upper Chipola WMA, a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail
Hinson Trail
​Hiking through the most rugged hills this side of the Apalachicola River, you’d think you’d stumbled across a long-lost piece of the Appalachians as you climb uphill from Alamo Cave towards a cabin surrounded by trillium. Circling the perimeter of Hinson Conservation and Recreation in Marianna, the Hinson Trail – designated a National Recreation Trail in 2013 – offers not just rugged hiking and scenic views but a variety of habitats and historic sites to explore along its 4 mile circuit.
Citizen’s Lodge Park
This scenic park located on Chipola River and Caverns Road is a real jewel. Six trails range from paved to unpaved, from ½ mile to 2 miles as well as a fitness trail will increase fitness level. A gazebo overlooks a gorgeous pond along the trail, outdoor picnic tables host reunions, parties, events. The outdoor stage serves as a venue to many festivals, events and Summer Concert Series.
The Lodge is located at 4574 Lodge Drive, off Caverns Rd, and has a seating capacity of 100 people and an occupancy load of 147 people. For more information call Jackson County Parks 850-718-0437.
