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Tunnel Cave

Marianna

Best known for Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna is one of the larger communities in Florida’s Central Panhandle, with a variety of recreational opportunities.


Resources

Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us continue to provide public information on this website.


Exploring Marianna

Best known as the location of Florida Caverns State Park, Florida’s only show cave, Marianna is one of the larger communities along Interstate 10 west of the Apalachicola River. 

This area is healing after the devastation of Hurricane Michael in October 2018. Its parks and forests will never look quite the same.

But there are many public lands to explore. Paddlers, swimmers, and divers will appreciate the beauty of Jackson Blue Spring (open seasonally) and Merritts Mill Pond.

The underground wonders of Florida Caverns were not affected by hurricane damage, although the park no longer is home to a lush forest.

Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park

A dip into Florida’s only show cave at Florida Caverns State Park brings on an instant sense of cool.

The Florida Trail passes south of Marianna across the northern extent of Calhoun County, following roadwalks on back roads between Blountstown and Econfina Creek WMA.

Along this very rural segment, the Altha section provides a view of the Look-and-Tremble rapids of the Chipola River when water levels are just right.

Chipola River

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.


Trails and Parks near Marianna

Florida Trail Nokuse

Florida Trail, Central Panhandle

Florida Trail, Central Panhandle
Waterfall at Weeping Ridge

Weeping Ridge Trail

Weeping Ridge Trail
Tunnel Cave

Caverns Trail System

Caverns Trail System
Garden of Eden

Garden of Eden Trail

Garden of Eden Trail
Floodplain forest at Torreya

Torreya State Park

Torreya State Park
Spring Creek Park

Spring Creek Park

Spring Creek Park
Bluff forest with cascading creek

Falling Waters State Park

Falling Waters State Park
Angus Gholson Nature Park

Angus Gholson Nature Park

Angus Gholson Nature Park
Merritt's Mill Pond

Merritt’s Mill Pond

Merritt’s Mill Pond
 
More Trails More Parks


Articles

Madison Blue Springs

Spring Hopping Around Tallahassee

July 1, 2019//  by Sandra Friend

Between Madison and Marianna and across Wakulla County, explore a colorful collection of natural springs for swimming and snorkeling, all within an hour of Tallahassee.

Boulders and blossoms at Florida Caverns

March 1, 2017//  by Sandra Friend

Looking for a compelling wildflower walk? One of Florida’s showiest parades of wildflowers clings to the bluffs at Florida Caverns State Park.


NEARBY: Blountstown, Bristol, Chattahoochee, Chipley, Panama City Beach, Quincy, Tallahassee | PART OF: Northwest Florida

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