Famously known for Florida’s only show cave, Florida Caverns State Park was one of the original state parks created during the New Deal Era of the 1930s.
In addition to excavating a tour route through the caverns, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the loop trail system running along the bluffs and hardwood forest atop them.
Trillium in the bluff forestAlthough this trail is for foot traffic only, other trails in the park allow bicycling and horseback riding.
A full-featured campground is available for folks who want to spend the night, and the Cavern Tour is a must see for first time visitors.
Explore both of Florida’s only underground trails along this hiking loopResources
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Overview
Location: Marianna
Length: 1.4 mile loop
Trailhead: 30.810672, -85.226410
Address: 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna
Fees: $5 per vehicle
Restrooms: At the visitor center
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-482-1228
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed pets welcome, but best not to bring them in Tunnel Cave so the bats aren’t disturbed.
The landscape is rocky and rugged for your pet and for small children, with many hidey-holes in rocks where snakes may be resting.
Directions
From Interstate 10 exit 142 follow SR 71 north to US 90. Continue west on US 90 to downtown Marianna, and make a right on SR 166, Jefferson Street. Continue north, where it changes to Caverns Road right before crossing the Chipola River. In 1.3 miles the park entrance is on the left. Once inside the park, follow the main road for a mile, taking a left at the first fork, then an immediate left into the parking lot for the visitor center.
Hike
A statue honoring the Civilian Conservation Corps workers stands prominently alongside the walkway to the caverns at the visitor center parking area.
To begin the loop trails, look across to the southwest end of the lot for a sign with an arrow indicating the direction of the Bluff Trail.
Trailhead signEntering a shady canopy, the well-worn pathway descends gradually to the Chipola River floodplain.
In less than a tenth of a mile, the Tunnel Cave offers one of the most unique experiences in the park, with a trail running right through to the other side.
Hikers will need to crouch to navigate the low ceiling. A side route bypasses the cave for those who are uncomfortable or unable to walk through.
Tunnel CaveExiting the cave, the trail begins climbing a limestone outcropping adjacent to the Chipola River.
The rough terrain can be tricky to navigate, and on the steeper sections, convenient steps are cut into the sedimentary rocks.
Limestone stepsAs the trail ascends higher above the waterway, a river floodplain comes into view through gaps in lush green vegetation.
From this panoramic vantage point, murky waters steadily flow across the forested wetlands far below, heading south towards the Apalachicola River.
Chipola River floodplainHydrangeas, columbines, lilies, and trilliums sport showy flowers alongside the rocky path in the early spring.
They decorate the exposed karst landscape with an array of stark whites and vibrant colors.
Despite losing a significant amount of canopy from Hurricane Michael, the Bluff Trail remains quite shaded, owing to resilient trees and rapid growth after the storm.
Red columbine in bloomWeaving northward, the trail comes to a junction at 0.8 mile near the cave tour exit, where a paved pathway leads to the visitor center.
Continuing straight, the aptly named Magnolia-Beech trail leads eastward through a dense hardwood forest.
Caverns exitCountless ferns line the corridor alongside clusters of Indian pink flowers, red buckeyes, and needle palms.
Limestone karst occasionally protrudes into the walkway, although the rocks are not as prominent as they are on the Bluff Trail.
Indian pink flowerThe forest opens to a clearing behind the visitor center at 1.2 miles, where a concrete path leads around both sides of the building before descending towards the parking area.
For a more in-depth exploration of the intriguing geography below ground, tickets are available for cavern tours at the visitor center.
The visitor center has interpretive displays on the upper floor and restrooms on the lower floorTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Florida Caverns
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.
Florida Caverns Sinkhole Trail Starting near the campground at the north end of Florida Caverns State Park, a simple loop trail provides views of Sugar Mill Run and access to seasonally available trails leading to the Chipola River. Video
A walk through the Caverns Trail System
Slideshow
What the trail looked like before Hurricane Michael
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.
Hinson Conservation Area A network of wide trails explores rugged karst topography alongside the Chipola River at Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area, including a cave large enough to climb inside. 
Florida Trail, Altha 1.7 miles. Following Bauldree Branch to the bluffs of the Chipola River, the Altha section of the Florida Trail is a fabulous destination for spring wildflowers.
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- Scherer Thaxton Preserve - October 21, 2026
- Little Awesome Preserve - October 19, 2026