Hiking to a cave - did anyone else have this on this year's Florida Bingo Card? To be quite honest, I didn’t even know Florida has so many caves outside of the most famous Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. But what if I told you there is a hiking trail in Citrus County, Florida, that will lead you to a hidden gem cave? Dames Caves are part of a system in Lecanto, Florida, that happens to be one of the most popular caves to explore - due to the spacious chambers and easy navigation throughout. Are you ready to take the trek?

Located within the Withlacoochee State Forest, the Dames Caves and Lizzie Heart Sink Loop Trail is a 3.9-mile hike with minimal elevation change that takes Adventurists under two hours to complete. It should be noted that you can get to Dames Caves on a different 1.2-mile trail, but then you’ll miss out on the sinkhole!

At the heart of this hike are the Dames Caves, locally known as the Vandal Cave, part of the broader Citrus Tract Cave System. These small but very impressive caves have formed over millions of years as limestone bedrock dissolved away. While the caves aren’t particularly large, they do offer a unique and almost otherworldly experience for hikers who want to explore the open chambers and take in the natural rock formations. If you're planning to venture deeper into the caves, bringing a flashlight or headlamp is a good idea, but as always, safety comes first!

In addition to the caves, the trail leads to Lizzie Heart Sink, a sinkhole that’s a prime example of Florida’s karst landscape. Sinkholes form when the ground above collapses into spaces created by dissolving limestone, and Lizzie Heart Sink gives hikers a front-row seat to one of these geological wonders. With its mix of caves and sinkholes, this trail is perfect for anyone with a curiosity about Florida’s unique geology.

Though the Dames Caves and Lizzie Heart Sink Loop Trail is manageable for most hikers, the uneven terrain, exposed roots, and occasional rocky patches call for a bit of caution. A sturdy pair of hiking shoes with good traction will go a long way in making your hike safe and comfortable.

For the best experience, plan your hike during the cooler months, typically from fall through spring, when Florida’s heat and humidity aren’t in full force. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, especially if you're hiking in warmer weather, and a little insect repellent never hurts—mosquitoes and ticks are sometimes unwelcome companions in the forest. While the caves are a popular draw, they can show signs of previous visitors, like graffiti, so it’s always a good idea to follow Leave No Trace principles and help keep the area beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

What do you think of the Dames Caves and Lizzie Heart Sink Trail? Have you hiked it before? Sound off in the comments section! We love a good Florida cave system, don't you?

Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way you can get even more information before you start your journey.