Florida
Nature|National & State Parks

The Gorgeous 1.7-Mile Hike In Florida’s Gilchrist Blue Springs That Will Lead You Past 5 Natural Spring Pools

Discover the beauty of Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park by hiking the 1.7-mile loop that connects five natural spring pools.

Published Feb 11, 2021

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Sometimes the best way to see the natural springs throughout Florida is not by swimming in them, but by hiking around them! The Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is the newest state park and perhaps one of the most spectacular. Open 365 days from 8 a.m. to sundown, visitors can enter the park and spend the day swimming and hiking through nature. If you're really looking for an epic hike, then we recommend the Gilchrist Blue Springs Loop, which will take you past all five natural spring pools in the park! Sounds pretty dreamy to us...

Visiting Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park during the warmer months in Florida is something many residents and visitors do in order to enjoy the crystal-clear spring water.

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Google Han Munstermann

But if you’re looking to add a little bit of nature into your visit, then we suggest trekking the 1.7-mile Gilchrist Blue Springs Loop.

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AllTrails Geferlyn Patricio

This easy jaunt is good for all skill levels, with a very slight if any, elevation change.

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AllTrails Andrea Howey

The loop connects all five natural spring pools in the state park, which is pretty spectacular to see.

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AllTrails Edwin Garay

The hike will take you through the natural elements, from the towering trees and the clear blue springs.

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AllTrails Trent Smith

Afterward, you can set up shop at the biggest spring and take a dip to cool off or rent kayaks nearby to travel up through the channels.

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AllTrails Trent Smith

It’s recommended that if you plan to visit Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park you do so early, especially on weekends, because once capacity is reached, they will start turning visitors away.

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AllTrails Edwin Garay

Come hike near the largest of the springs in the state, producing nearly 44 million gallons of water daily when you take the Gilchrist Blue Springs Loop in Florida.

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Google Mark Kenney

To find out where this Florida spring hike is and how far it is from you, click here to open the map.

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Google Maps

Have you ever hiked the Gilchrist Blue Springs Loop in Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you're looking for more information about this state park and the hiking trails, check out the Florida State Park's website.

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Nature|National & State Parks

There’s A Cave In Florida That Looks Just Like Carlsbad Caverns, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna offers a unique underground cave experience with guided tours showcasing stunning calcite formations.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

If you’re from Florida, then you probably are already familiar with Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. But outside of the Sunshine State, hardly anyone knows it even exists! That’s because it's hard to compete with caves like Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. But with one trip to this giant cave system in Florida, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve been missing out on all along. So, if you're a cave enthusiast or if you've ever wondered, "Are there caves in Florida" we have just the place for you!

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Florida Caverns State Park in Florida is an underground wonder that most Americans hardly know even exists.

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Google Local Bert

Located in the Panhandle near Marianna, this is the only state park in the state with air-filled caves that are accessible to the public.

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Google Local Jessica Gibson

Visiting the caves for the first time, you’ll certainly be in for a treat. A tour of this underground system takes about 45 minutes and will give you a glimpse into how this natural beauty was made.

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Google Local Pete Ciechanowski

A park ranger accompanies each tour group through the caverns, as you cannot explore the system alone.

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Google Local Paula Rees

Make sure to dress warmly! The cave system is at 65 degrees year-round. Wear comfortable sneakers, too. You’ll walk down 350 feet to the cave entrance and then down 35 steps using a handrail.

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Google Local Cindy G

The caves are truly special, averaging around 45 feet below the surface and 65 feet at their lowest point. When the colorful lights begin to reflect off the calcite formations, that’s when the show really begins!

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Google Local Amanda Hall

Enjoy stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and more, when you explore the majestic depths that create Florida Caverns.

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Google Local Deepak Kumar Biswal

Have you ever been to Florida Caverns State Park before? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments section! Cavern tours are offered Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Guests can purchase cavern tour tickets at the Florida Caverns Gift Shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST) on the day of arrival. Tour tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the Florida Caverns State Park website.

Also, if natural wonders are in your wheelhouse, you'll love this adventure. Take the ultimate natural wonders road trip through Florida!

Prefer to stay above ground? Come with us as we explore the Florida Everglades!

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Nature|National & State Parks

This State Park In Florida Is So Little Known, You’ll Practically Have It All To Yourself

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach offers a unique blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and family fun despite its smaller size.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

When it comes to hidden gems in Florida, oftentimes visitors think the bigger, the better. However, such is not always the case. Take this little-known state park in Dania Beach as the perfect example. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is around 310 acres but offers a unique blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and family fun.

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While you might think that 310 acres for a state park is quite large...in comparison to other parks in Florida (Hello, Everglades, 1.5 million acres) it remains on the smaller side.

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Google Nicole Allum

However, that doesn’t mean that Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is lacking in any way. In fact, the size is probably one of the main reasons why you SHOULD visit.

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Formerly known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, this beachside spot is located just south of Port Everglades.

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Google Ed Bacha

With an undeveloped coastal ecosystem, people flock to this park for some reprieve from the day-to-day city life of Broward County.

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Google Sudeep Datta

The park is a popular spot for people to swim, fish, shell, boat, bike, picnic, snorkel, and hike - allowing guests to disappear into nature for the afternoon.

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Google Frank Sach

Those who visit between November through May are treated to a rare sighting of the endangered beach Jacquemontia, a white-pink flower that doesn’t come around too often.

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Flickr Dave Eichoff

Birding is also a popular pastime here throughout the year, as guests are treated to a variety of birds who roost, rest, and feed along the sandy shorelines.

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Google Dave Steinlauf

But even if you just come to wade in the warm waters and bask in the sunshine, this state park is worth the visit.

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Google Garrett McFarlane

Have you ever visited this state park in Florida before? What were some of the fun things you enjoyed while there? Make sure to sound off in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about one of the best hidden gems in Florida, including current fees to enter and hours of operation, then check out the Florida State Parks website.

Also, while you happen to be in the Dania Beach area, make sure to stop over at this delightful ice cream shop for a sweet treat:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/long-line-fl/

Looking for more Florida fun? Come explore the Everglades with us!

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