Boasting more than 1,300 acres, the Florida Caverns State Park has a much to offer visitors interested in the exploring nature along the northwest Florida’s Chipola River. The caverns are the biggest draw to the park, with 32 caves nestled within the park; the largest open to the public for guided exploration.
The main cavern contains several rooms with dazzling formations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other fascinating features including a towering formation called the “wedding cake.” Some other formations are shaped like ribbons and drapes, gently rippling down from the walls of the cavern. With a constant 65 degrees and 100 percent humidity, the cavern is an eerily stunning experience, and not to be missed.
The day-use portion of Florida Caverns State Park is open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset Central time. Cavern tours are limited to 25 visitors per tour and are offered five days a week, Thursday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central daylight saving time. Caverns tours are closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call 850-526-2650 for information about cave tours.
The Florida Caverns State Park has a rich and long history as its beginnings date back to the early 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) developed the cave – removing stones, widened passages and also working on the visitor’s center that was completed in 1942. Back then, the Corps workers made $1.00/day for their labors during the Depression.
Multi-use trails are available for horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking. Tour several miles of trails while viewing the floodplains and sinkholes. A unique river sink is located here, where the Chipola River sinks 90 feet below the surface and finally reappears one-half-mile downstream. The limestone bluffs are among the oldest surface formations found in Florida. As the Chipola meanders across the river valley, it actively deposits mud and silt, constantly changing the characteristics of the floodplain.
The park has 38 RV campsites. Stables are available for equestrian lovers who can camp with their horses around Blue Hole Springs, a popular swimming area within the park.
A wide variety of flora may be observed throughout the park. Boasting more than 25 different fern species alone, the park is abundant with a variety of mosses, wildflowers and grasses that line the pathways of the walking trails.
The park is home to herons, egrets, alligators, beavers, and snakes that often seen foraging in the wetlands. The park is also home to the endangered albino crayfish and protected gray bats.
A boat ramp is located between the park entrance station and the family camping area. Only small boats are recommended to launch from this area due to water levels and possible underwater hazards along the Chipola River. Traveling south on the river is not permitted.
Fishing is available at the boat ramp located on Blue Hole Drive. A variety of fish such as bass, catfish, sunfish, and mullet can be caught from this area.
Five picnic areas are located throughout the park. Tables and grills are available on a first come first serve basis. There are 5 pavilions that may be reserved in advance for a special event.
Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. The horse stables may be reserved when camping.
The park is located three miles north of Marianna on State Road 166, at 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, FL 32446. Tel: (850) 482-1228. ::MAP::
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