Jackson County, Florida, is known for its family-friendly rivers and waterways, rolling pines and agritourism, and history that spans generations. But if you look below the surface, you’ll find that our caves and caverns are unmatched encounters with natural wonders in an entirely different dimension.
Take a Cave Tour through the Florida Caverns State Park
As the only state park to offer public cave tours, Florida Caverns State Park is truly a rare gem below sea level. Florida Caverns State Park is situated on 1,300 acres that’s been forged over thousands of years. It continues to be a top attraction in the area through recent decades and has even been awarded the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024! The caverns are air-filled, allowing you to hike in 65-degree weather year-round, as you become surrounded by breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, columns, and soda straws. You might even see some cute cave bats, too! Through twists and turns in the route, you’ll be up to 65 feet below the ground. The tour through the caverns allows for enough room to comfortably walk through, with some areas where you can expect to crouch through spaces that are between 4 and 5 feet tall. Be sure to check out the other caves available throughout the hiking trails, too!
Cave tours are available seven days per week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside this window (before Memorial Day and after Labor Day), tours are not offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for trinkets and other souvenirs to bring home after your time in this one-of-a-kind geological spectacle. A gem mining station where you can scavenge your own unique stones and jewels is also a hit with patrons of all ages.
An additional learning opportunity on the history, ecology, and culture of the area can be discovered at the Museum above the gift shop. You can also watch a guided cave tour from here if you’d prefer to experience this underground mansion while staying seated.
Some activities, including daylight tours and e-bikes that can be peddled throughout the park, can be reserved online to make the logistics of the day as smooth as possible.
Cave Diving at Blue Springs
To experience another element in your caves exploration, add water – to go cave diving, that is. Jackson Blue Springs is an incredible main spring on Merritt’s Mill Pond. As a first magnitude spring, even in a drought, the spring churns out 10 million gallons of water daily, creating lots of aeration for resident fish. Immerse yourself in open water, then a somewhat narrow opening transports you to the wonderous cave, where the dust you may find in air-filled caves becomes a playground of glistening, pristine water. To have full access while cave diving in Jackson Blue Springs, you’ll need to have diving certifications to dive in open water and an additional certification for cave diving. Interested divers can contact Cave Adventurers for more information on diving access.
If you’d rather stay above water, Jackson Blue Springs is also a great place to swim (yes, with a diving board!) from 9 AM to 6:30 PM Monday – Friday and 9 AM to 7:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Covered pavilions, grills for picnics, and concession stands provide all the ingredients for a low-key day on the water. Kayak and paddling rentals or tours are also available at the ‘Yak Shack in the park.
Seven other caves are on Merritt’s Mill Pond for a diving adventure hand-crafted to your interest. Check out Twin, Hole in the Wall, Shangri-La, Indian Washtub, Hidey Hole, Lamar’s Landing, and Gator Hole for even more to explore.
If you’re interested in this heart-pumping sport but you’re not sure where to start, or if you’re an experienced diver needing cave diving training, Cave Adventurers offers lessons for all experience levels. You can also purchase diving equipment from their dive shop. Owned by world-renowned diver Edd Sorenson, known for numerous rescues of lost or trapped divers in caves all over the world, you’re in the best of hands as you prepare to swish through this underwater marvel.
Caves along the Chipola
It’s almost as if there’s another road map just for under-the-surface fun in Jackson County. At nearly 100 miles long, the Chipola River is an aquatic influence with its own caves not to be missed. Hop on the trail system at the Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area. Around 0.8 miles into your hike, you’ll come across the Alamo cave, where light shines through on either side. From the Chipola River, you will find the well-known Ovens caves near Hinson Conservation. The abundant vegetation in the area makes the Ovens best accessible by paddling or boating on the river but be mindful of recent rainfall which could seriously change the tone of your visit. And don’t forget a flashlight or head lamp!
Eats to Keep You Exploring
After a day of cave exploration, keep your spirit of adventure alive by trying one of our nearby eateries. Stop by Penny’s Sweet Beans Coffee and Café for breakfast, lunch, or coffee from Monday through Saturday. They have the most delightful assortment of bagels (the asiago cheese is phenomenal!), BLTs piled high with crispy bacon, and delicious coffee with service to match.
There’s no celebratory food quite like chicken wings to enjoy after a day of conquering our caves. Whippin Wingz N Thingz serves up their renowned wings in craveable flavors like lemon pepper-hot honey and sweet red chili, every day of the week. They also have plenty of seafood and sandwich options if you’re not a wing lover.
If exploring our Jackson County caves was a first for you this trip, why not continue the theme by checking out a new venue for dinner? The Marianna Food Truck Park is home to a variety of food trucks open from 7 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday. From The Bubble Waffle Factory to Seafood Soul and Thai Taste Express Fusion Food Truck, there’s a new favorite waiting for every craving.
For an elegant meal to wind down post-adventuring, look no further than The Salt Block. Owner and chef Nick Rickman was named World Chef Champion in 2018, and you’ll quickly notice this is no coincidence. All the elements of this fine dining experience – from the food, drinks, atmosphere, and staff – are world-class. Southern classics crafted with exquisite care – from the chicken and sausage creole on vintage cheddar grits and filets to the brioche bread pudding – will tantalize your sense of taste, just like your other four senses have been treated to the great caves and caverns earlier in the day. Salt Block is open Wednesday through Saturday, and reservations are recommended.
Come Adventure Just Below the Surface in Jackson County
Our caverns and caves have immeasurable wonders awaiting you below the surface in Jackson County. By land or water, you’ll be in pure awe as you change your vantage point by hiking or swimming through these natural masterpieces. Time to plan your journey to Jackson County today!