Discover Florida Caverns (and What Lurks Inside These Massive Caves)

Let’s explore the Florida Caverns, a beautiful underground area with fascinating geological wonders. Despite being around beaches and theme parks, the caverns are a peaceful sanctuary. Learn about their ancient history, discover secrets within the walls, and encounter the unique creatures that live there.

History of Florida Caverns

Caverns were formed 38 million years ago when the ocean covered the southeastern coastal plain of the United States. Accumulated shells, coral, and sediments formed limestone. The groundwater dissolved parts of the soft rock and created the caverns. In the caves’ limestone walls, you can find fossils of sea biscuits, sand dollars, clams, foraminifera, and shark teeth.

Florida Caverns State Park was obtained on October 11, 1935. A tree uprooting led to the discovery of the main cave a year earlier, in 1934. Although not officially established as a state park, development of the park began. During President Roosevelt’s New Deal, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Projects Administration labored on the tour cave and buildings within the park. It was not until 1942 that the park opened to the public.

The public can access air-filled caves at only one Florida state park called Florida Caverns State Park. The park comprises interconnected rooms with breathtaking formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The caves offer a habitat for blind salamanders, crayfish, and the endangered gray bat.

Recently, a massive new cave was discovered at Florida Caverns State Park. The cave system continues to be explored and studied, adding to the park’s rich history and geological significance.

Geology and Geography of Florida Caverns

Limestone Formation

Florida Caverns is situated where the underlying bedrock consists primarily of limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock from the accumulation and hardening of the remnants of sea creatures, including coral and shells, over millions of years. The presence of limestone is crucial for the formation of caves, as it is easily eroded by water, creating intricate cave systems.

Karst Topography

The cave system within Florida Caverns is a prime example of karst topography. Karst refers to a distinctive landscape characterized by dissolved soluble rocks like limestone, creating sinkholes, underground drainage systems, and caves. The acidic properties of rainwater, combined with natural acids produced by decaying organic matter, slowly dissolve the limestone over time, forming caves and caverns.

Underground Rivers

One of the most remarkable features of Florida Caverns is the presence of underground rivers. Over thousands of years, flowing water has carved out vast chambers and passageways within the limestone bedrock. These subterranean rivers continue to shape the cave system, carrying sediments and minerals contributing to stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Stalactites and Stalagmites

The caverns have many stalactites and stalagmites formed through mineral deposition. As water drips from the cave ceiling, it leaves behind tiny amounts of dissolved minerals, typically calcium carbonate. Over time, these minerals accumulate, resulting in the growth of elongated, icicle-like formations hanging from the ceiling (stalactites) or rising from the cave floor (stalagmites).

Rare Marine Fossils

Florida Caverns has abundant marine fossils, providing a window into the state’s ancient past. Visitors may discover fossilized remains of marine organisms such as seashells, coral, and even old shark teeth embedded within the cave walls. These fossils serve as a reminder that the cave system was once submerged beneath the ancient seas that covered the region.

The underground wonderland of Florida Caverns was created by the interaction between water and limestone in the area’s geology and geography. The resulting cave system boasts underground rivers, stunning formations, and remnants of ancient marine life. By exploring these unique geological features, visitors can witness the ongoing natural processes of the Earth and the beauty hidden beneath the surface.

What Lives and Lurks Inside Florida Caverns

Beyond the geological wonders, Florida Caverns is also home to various cave-dwelling creatures. Bats like endangered gray and Brazilian free-tailed bats find sanctuary within the caverns. These nocturnal creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. Cave crickets, unique in their adaptations for navigating the darkness, commonly scurrying along the cave floors. One of the most intriguing inhabitants of Florida Caverns is the cavefish.

The small fish living in the caves, which cannot see, have developed remarkable adaptations, such as improved sensory systems to move around in the dark waters. This makes them excellent examples of how organisms adapt to extreme environments through evolution. Another exciting creature found in the caves is the cave shrimp.

Crustaceans are wholly blind and lack pigment, but they have adapted well to living in the dark. They have long, slender appendages and sensitive antennae that help them find food and move around in the underwater systems of the caves. Other species, like the blind cave salamanders, have also evolved unique traits to survive in an environment with fewer nutrients.

Florida Caverns house cave spiders, mice, and sometimes snakes and frogs. These creatures have adapted to the unique conditions within the cave’s delicate ecosystem, making it a significant location for studying biodiversity and evolutionary adaptation.

Visiting Florida Caverns

If you want to visit Florida Caverns, here are some essential things to remember. The caverns are open to the public and provide guided tours to give visitors a safe and informative experience. To avoid disappointment, you should check the hours of operation and book in advance. During the tour, expert guides will escort you through the caverns and tell you fascinating stories about their creation, past, and the fascinating creatures that inhabit them.

In addition to cave exploration, the Florida Caverns State Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and camping. Whether you prefer caving, nature walks, or just admiring the scenery, the park has something to offer everyone.

Nearby Attractions

After you explore the exciting caverns, you can go on another adventure to some nearby areas:

Blue Springs Recreational Park

This park features Jackson Blue Spring, which pumps 77 million gallons of water daily, offering excellent scuba and cave diving opportunities.

Marianna Civil War Battlefield

A historic site where you can learn about the Civil War and its impact on the area.

Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail

A trail that leads to the historic Bellamy Bridge, offering a glimpse into Florida’s past.

Jackson Blue Springs County Recreation Area

A recreational area offering various outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking.

Three Rivers State Park

Located about 30 minutes away from Florida Caverns, this park offers fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking opportunities.

Historic Russ House Visitors Center

A historic house that serves as a visitors center, providing information about local attractions and the history of Marianna.

Tunnel Cave (Bluff Trail)

A trail leading to a small cave offers a unique outdoor experience.

Florida Caverns Golf Course

An 18-hole golf course near the state park, open to the public.

Conclusion

Florida Caverns presents a captivating world beneath our feet, filled with geological wonders, ancient history, and an array of unique creatures that have adapted to thrive in the darkness. Exploring these massive caves is a truly mesmerizing experience that offers a glimpse into the hidden depths of our planet. So, if you’re seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a deeper understanding of Florida’s geological and cultural heritage, put Florida Caverns on your must-visit list.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Lawrence Howard/Shutterstock.com