
Made up of liquid pools of beauty on the edge of Florida Caverns State Park, Baltzell Spring is a compelling destination for spring hunters along the Chipola River in Marianna.
Resources

Overview
Location: Marianna
Lat-Lon: 30.816502,-85.234094 (launch)
Fees: Florida State Parks entrance fee
Location
Directions
From exit 142 for Marianna on Interstate 10, drive north on SR 71 for 2 miles. Turn west onto US 90 and follow it into Marianna. Follow signs to Florida Caverns State Park. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee and entered the park, take a right at the first paved road, 0.9 mile into the park. Continue another 0.9 mile, with a 90* turn about halfway along, and turn right into the trailhead at the Chipola River.
Details

Because of this natural barrier and the river swamp you find to the south of it – which is a distinct feature along the Caverns Hiking Trail that loops the caverns area of the park – the Chipola River is considered a river in two parts. It’s from the launch at this trailhead you can start upriver on the Upper Chipola River Paddling Trail, a 4.5-mile journey if you undertake it all. And there’s a compelling reason to paddle upstream from this take-out.

Baltzell Spring. While classified as a single first-magnitude spring, it’s actually made up of four very different springs. The first is a mile north of the put-in, and is in the river itself.
The remainder of the springs are less than a quarter mile upstream. Follow the spring run to find them.

Although they are popular for swimming and snorkeling, alligators have been seen here. Use caution. Also, they are surrounded by private property. Respect the “No Trespassing” signs on the land.

Bring your own kayak or rent a canoe from Florida Caverns State Park to enjoy this incredible natural treasure. Learn more about the journey to Baltzell from springs photographer Travis Marques.
Our thanks to Christy Andreasen of Visit Jackson County for finding cave mapper Matthew Bull to contribute the above photos of Baltzell, since we have not yet had the opportunity to make this paddling trip.
Springs descriptions Upper Chipola paddling guide Florida Caverns