FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK

from Florida Country Magazine - February / March 2023

FLORIDA CHARM

PANHANDLING ADVENTURES—BRING A SWIMSUIT!

Written by: Ben Knowles

Amorning hike at Florida Caverns State Park seemed to be going nowhere. I had been walking for over an hour and seeing very little wildlife to photograph.

Guessing the peak time had passed, I started walking back to my car.

I had already made the loop around Blue Hole Spring earlier but decided to revisit the area one more time before leaving the park. I was kicking myself for not bringing a swimsuit. The Panhandle had been getting little rain for a few weeks, so Blue Hole was at the right water level to really show off its beautiful blue. It would have been a perfect day to enjoy the year-round 64-degree spring water.

Just as I was calling it a day, I saw something swimming in the spring run. It took only a few seconds to realize it was an otter! In all the years of visiting Florida Caverns—which is northwest of Tallahassee near the Alabama and Georgia borders—this was my first time spotting an otter at the park. An otter sighting is always an exciting moment for this wildlife photographer. Otters can be very elusive and disappear quickly once they spot a human. Fortunately, this one did not seem to mind as I stood on the spring run bridge trying to capture its every move with my camera.

Soon the moment got even more exciting when two more otters swam into the spring run. All three swam through the run, stopping now and then to chomp on crayfish.

If you are looking for unique adventures in a wonderful piece of Florida, plan to visit Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna.

The Panhandle had been getting little rain for a few weeks, so Blue Hole was at the right water level to really show off its beautiful blue.

The crayfish must have been really good because the otters paid no attention to me as I moved to different spots for better views. A half hour passed before the otters casually retreated down the run and out of sight.

Over the next few weeks, I ended up seeing the otters during other visits to Florida Caverns. One morning I watched them for over an hour, swimming, feeding and resting all around the spring area. Once they were gone, I was inspired to change into the swimsuit that I remembered to bring and take the plunge into Blue Hole.

It was cold but felt great! I had the whole spring to myself and enjoyed the peaceful sounds of nature as I swam.

Photographing the otters and swimming in Blue Hole are small samples of the many experiences Florida Caverns has provided me and my family over the years. The possibilities for outdoor enjoyment are endless at this wonderful park— one day is not enough to experience all it offers.

The biggest draw to the park, of course, is touring open-air limestone caves. Just seeing these spectacular cave formations is worth a trip. But there is a lot more to see and do at Florida Caverns State Park. Multiple trails provide great opportunities for hikers, bikers and equestrians to explore habitats with an array of flora and fauna, for example. And RV/primitive camping are available, as well as horse stalls.

Rent a kayak or canoe from the park to paddle the Chipola River. Baltzell (Bozell) Springs group, a mile or so upstream from the park’s boat ramp, is an area of visually stunning spring vents and very much worth the effort to get there.

Tip: Pay attention to the cave schedule since tours are not offered every day. Also keep in mind that heavy rainfall can affect park activities.

I suggest visiting the Florida State Parks website to learn more about Florida Caverns. Tip: Pay attention to the cave schedule since tours are not offered every day. Also keep in mind that heavy rainfall can affect park activities.

If you are looking for unique adventures in a wonderful piece of Florida, plan to visit Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. Keep an eye out for the otters … and bring your swimsuit! Ben Knowles is an outdoor enthusiast who lives in North Florida with his wife and two children. Find his Facebook page “Ben Outside Photography” to enjoy photos, stories and videos of his outdoor adventures throughout Florida. FCM