Jackson County: Caves, Springs, and History

At Florida Caverns State Park, a guided tour takes you through a large cave system—an experience found in no other Florida state park. Stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone formations, and flowstone draperies characterize the underground caves. Numerous chisel marks made by Civilian Conservation Corps workers in the 1930s are also visible on the walls. Since tour operations may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Springs, Rivers, and Trails

Blue Springs is a first-magnitude spring that feeds the 202-acre Merritt’s Millpond. Blue Springs Recreation Area offers opportunities for swimming and picnicking; SCUBA training and exploration are also available there, though on a limited basis. The spring’s name has a history, too: Spaniards who camped there repeatedly between 1674 and 1693 called it Calistoble Spring.

Lake Seminole formed at the confluence of the Chattahoochee River and the Flint River. The Chipola River, meanwhile, runs alongside Marianna and is designated as a paddling destination. For hiking, the Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area on the Chipola River, just south of Marianna, has a 4.6-mile system of loop trails. One section of the Hinson Trail follows surviving steel rails from the former Marianna and Blountstown Railroad. Access via Gator Hole Lane is off SR 73, one mile south of Marianna; check local conditions before setting out.

Another destination on the Chipola River is historic Bellamy Bridge. The Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail provides access to the bridge; a shaded path leads through the swamp to it. Numerous ghost stories are associated with the bridge, including the legend of Elizabeth Bellamy. These tales offer a different focus from the railroad traces on the Hinson Trail: here, the emphasis is on local lore, while there, it is on visible evidence of a former railroad line.

At Three Rivers State Park, a boat ramp provides access to freshwater fishing; there is also a 100-foot-long fishing pier. Facilities and access options may change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information before visiting. Visitors can float down Spring Creek on their own inner tubes. Providers and seasonal conditions may change.

Local and Living History

The Battle of Marianna took place on September 27, 1864, when Union troops under Brigadier General Alexander Asboth attacked Marianna. The grounds of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Cemetery were the site of fierce fighting. Today’s church building resembles the structure that stood there during the battle. Brochures for self-guided tours of the Marianna Battlefield are also available at the Visitor Center.

Historic Russ House, Jackson County’s official Visitor Center, was built in the 1890s, extensively remodeled in 1910, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitor guides, brochures, maps, and other information about exploring Jackson County are available there. Materials may not always be available; if you’re looking for specific items, ask ahead.

If you’re interested in Spanish colonial history, you can plan a half-day driving tour along the Jackson County Spanish Heritage Trail. The route covers 150 miles and includes 11 sites connected to this part of the county’s history.

Make the Most of Your Stay

When planning your hotel stay, you can start by deciding what you’d like to focus on: a guided cave tour, trails along the Chipola River, historic sites, or a longer driving tour. The differences between these options are specific—from underground formations and railroad rails along the trail to the eleven stops on the Spanish Heritage Trail. At Jackson Farms, visitors can also pick their own produce or buy packaged products; offerings and visiting arrangements may change.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Marianna, Cottondale, Sneads, Liberty, Glades County, Monroe, St. Lucie, Clay.

For the main travel overview: Florida.