Florida Caverns State Park
An attraction unique to Jackson County, the Florida Caverns State Park is settled on the Chipola River and allows visitors a chance to tour the state’s only walk-through cave system. The park is open 7 days a week, however cave tours are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The park is on the Great Florida Birding Trail and regularly hosts birding walks. Once used as shelter by aboriginal Indians, the caverns reveal an amazing world of black pools, brilliantly lit, jagged formations and dripping limestone stalactites and stalagmites slowly forming over thousands of years. The 1313-acre park offers 32 camping hook-ups, hiking trails, pavilions, canoe rentals to stroll the Chipola River. The landing is located at the natural bridge, once crossed by General Andrew Jackson. Florida Caverns State Park is open for day use and cave tours only following Hurricane Michael. Please call to check availability of tours prior to your visit.
Three Rivers State Park
Named for the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers that merge to form the Apalachicola River below Lake Seminole, the 682-acre Three Rivers State Park lines two miles of the lake’s southern shore at the Florida-Georgia border. Visitors enjoy nature trails, picnic areas and campgrounds overlooking Lake Seminole, as well as a fishing dock, boat ramp and canoe rentals. While alligators and snapping turtles are commonly seen in the lake, the heavily forested park provides the ideal home for white-tailed deer, grey fox, bob-white quail and other native wildlife. Three Rivers State Park is quietly tucked away and is known for its serenity.
Citizens Lodge Park
This scenic park located on Chipola River and Caverns Road is a real jewel. The park has six trails, both paved to unpaved, from ½ mile to 2 miles as well as a fitness trail. A gazebo overlooks a gorgeous pond along the trail, outdoor picnic tables host reunions, parties, and other 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.
Hinson Conservation & Recreation Area
Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area was completed in 2012 under a partnership between the Florida Trail Association and the City of Marianna. In 2012 the Department of Interior designated Hinson Conservation & Recreation Area as a National Recreational Trail. The trail head begins at the scenic Chipola River and turns to form a four mile loop around the park passing caves, sink holes and short bluffs along 226 acres. Birding and wildlife enthusiast love this park for its great spotting opportunities. The park is located one mile south of Marianna on Highway 73, open daylight to sundown. For more information call 850-482-4353.
Butler Trail
This small trail is tucked away in Marianna on the Chipola River at the corner of Kelson Avenue and Nolan Street and is part of the Florida Greenways and Trails. The ¼ mile trek leads you to a bend on the Chipola River and is great for birding and wildlife sighting. In 2012 the Department of Interior designated Butler Trail as a National Recreational Trail. Future plans are in discussion to connect to the north and south trails.
Blue Springs Recreation Area
The first magnitude spring pumps gallons of fresh water into the popular swimming hole each day. Plan to spend a summer day here, rent a pavilion for reunions, or pontoon boat or kayak or canoe to discover 202 acres of beauty on Merritt’s Mill Pond. Open May-August ONLY. For more information and dates of operation, please call 850-718-0437 or 850-482-2114.