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.
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Overview
Location: Marianna
Length: 3 mile round-trip
Trailhead: 30.816502,-85.234094
Fees: $5 per vehicle
Restroom: At the caverns or Blue Hole
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-482-1228
Open 8 AM to sunset. Bring your own watercraft or rent one at the park.
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 and turn right into the trailhead at the Chipola River.
Paddle
The Chipola River does a curious thing as it approaches the cavern-studded karst of Florida Caverns State Park: it dives underground.
There are only a handful of rivers in Florida that do the same thing, the Aucilla, St. Marks, and Santa Fe being prime examples.
Adjoining the parking area is the natural bridge, which many park visitors don’t notice at all. First, the park road is on top of it, and the other side is very swampy.
Second, there is a bridge because there is a waterway, but it’s hardly the width of the river. It’s a narrow canal built nearly a century ago to float logs downriver to a timber mill.
Because of this natural barrier and the river swamp south of it – a distinct feature along the Caverns Hiking Trail – 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 these springs 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.
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 had the opportunity to make this paddling trip.
Explore More!
Learn more about Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns State Park A dip into Florida’s only show cave brings on an instant sense of cool. But the cave tour isn't the only delight you'll find at Florida Caverns State Park.Learn more about the journey to Baltzell from springs photographer Travis Marques.
Nearby Adventures
Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail A shady trail leads deep into the Chipola River swamp to an eerie bridge, where it is said the spirit of Elizabeth Bellamy ceaselessly searches the banks looking for a long-lost love. 
Blue Springs Recreation Area With a developed swimming area surrounding a first-magnitude spring, Blue Springs Recreation Area is a liquid playground in hues of blue, a broad open basin pouring forth a major spring run.
Merritt’s Mill Pond The astounding hues of spring-fed Merritt's Mill Pond make it a compelling destination for paddling and diving.
Spring Creek Park A gentle boardwalk leads to the crystalline waters of Spring Creek at Spring Creek Park in Marianna.
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