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Giant Adventure: Road Trip to The Florida Panhandle

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Posted at 11:22 AM, Jan 29, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-29 11:22:22-05

MARIANNA, Fla. — The Florida Panhandle offers the perfect weekend getaway packed full of outdoor adventure.

Journey underground at Florida Caverns State Park to explore the otherworldly depths of the limestone caves of North Florida.

Enjoy mystifying stalagmites and illuminated rocks as you journey through time to see formations that have grown slowly over thousands of years.

While moving between the large underground rooms, you can observe the many chisel marks made by 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps workers.

These hard-working men enlarged the cave passageways by hand so visitors could stand upright during the guided tours.

When entering the caverns, it will take a few moments to become acclimated to the dimly lit environment and year-round 65-degree temperature. The tour moves at a leisurely pace through a dozen cave rooms where visitors learn about the cave's history, early uses, and interesting geological formations.

Cave tours are available Friday through Monday, leaving from the visitor center beginning at 9 a.m. Central time. To ensure the safety of the guests, tour groups are limited to 10 visitors and face masks are required.

Click here for more information on cave tours. The park is located at 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446.

Things to remember:

  • Cave tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and tickets can be purchased the day of.
  • Parking is limited.
  • Arrive early; cave tickets can sell out in advance, especially on weekends.
  • For information about group tour reservations, please contact the Florida Caverns Gift Shop, Monday through Friday at 850-526-2650.

Tour Fees:

  • Children 2 and under: No fee
  • Ages 3 to 12: $5 per person
  • Ages 13 and up: $10.75 per person
  • Park admission is $5 per vehicle

Falling Waters State Park

Only 30 minutes away, Falling Waters State Park provides travelers with a quiet, serene stop on their journey.

This park features Florida's highest waterfall, which flows into a 100-foot-deep sinkhole. It's certainly a great spot for a photo opportunity.

Falling Waters State Park is located at ADDRESS. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Admission is $5 per vehicle.

Click here for more information on Falling Waters State Park. It's located at 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428.

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