Developed in the 1930s by the hard-working Civilian Conservation Corps, Florida Caverns State Park has been a staple of our state park system for most of its existence.
While the best known attraction at the park is Florida’s only show cave, several trails also explore the unique terrain atop and surrounding the caverns.
At the north end of the park, the Sinkhole Trail is accessible from the Blue Hole swimming area, the park campground, and its own small parking lot.
Hikers can alternatively start from Blue HoleResources
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Overview
Location: Marianna
Length: 1.2 miles
Trailhead: 30.821092, -85.241922
Address: 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna
Fees: $5 per vehicle
Restrooms: At Blue Hole
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-482-1228
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
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, and take a right at the fork. In 1.5 miles, the parking area is on the right before reaching the main campground.
Hike
At the trailhead, a picnic table rests alongside the sluggish, murky waters of Sugar Mill Run.
To begin the hike, head towards a large gate crossing an access road leading northward, continuing along this wide path for 0.1 mile to the beginning of the loop.
Streamside picnic tableTurn right at the Sinkhole Trail sign to begin a counterclockwise circuit around the loop. Blue blazes lead the way for a quarter mile before reaching a gate for the River Trail.
The River Trail continues east in Chipola WMA to the Chipola River, although it is closed to hiking during hunting season and when the water levels are high.
Water management property gateFrom this intersection, turn left and follow red blazes down a corridor bordered with dense walls of vegetation.
Once a robust hardwood forest with a shady canopy, this former understory now hosts countless flora vigorously competing for suddenly abundant sunshine.
Trail corridorSome of the taller trees that survived the devastation of Hurricane Michael in 2018 had their limbs entire stripped.
They recovered by shooting out hundreds of small branches from their trunks, all quickly covered in leaves, resulting in strikingly curious tree shapes.
At 0.6 mile, the trail turns toward Mill Run, reaching the northwest corner of the loop in another quarter mile.
Post-hurricane adaptation by a tall treeAnother gate at this junction displays a sign noting that the water management area is closed during hunting season. Follow the trail south alongside a geological depression.
A set of observation platforms with benches invite visitors to peer over the edge of the sinkhole or stop for a rest.
Observation platformBelow, a majestic group of cypress trees stand tall in the swamp, surrounded by myriad knees protruding from the dark waters.
Devoid of foliage in the winter months, these cypresses are covered in bright green leaves as the weather begins to warm.
Turning left where the loop ends at 1.1 mile, continue for another tenth of a mile before reaching the trailhead.
Sugar Mill Run swampTrail 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 Trail System Rugged karst topography, showy spring wildflowers, and Florida's only hike through a cave make this showy loop atop Florida Caverns a compelling hike. Video
A walk through the Sinkhole Trail
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.
- Calusa Heritage Trail - November 5, 2026
- Scherer Thaxton Preserve - October 21, 2026
- Little Awesome Preserve - October 19, 2026