Jackson Blue Spring USA

Jackson Blue Spring, a captivating natural wonder, can be found just 5 miles to the east of the charming town of Marianna, nestled at the northeastern tip of the picturesque Merritts Mill Pond. To reach this hidden gem, start your journey at the intersection of US 90 and SR 73 in Marianna. From there, head east for approximately 1.4 miles along U.S. 90. As you continue your adventure, make a left turn to head north onto SR 71, covering a distance of 1.2 miles until you reach the intersection of SR 164. Here, take a right turn to travel 3.3 miles, and you’ll arrive at the county park entrance, conveniently located on the right-hand side of the road. Jackson Blue Spring itself is a mere 0.1 mile southeast of SR 164, nestled within the embrace of a county park.

• Region: Florida
• Coordinates: 30.79013, -85.14015
• Depth: 105 ft
• Remarks: 
• Type: Cave, Cavern

Description of Jackson Blue Spring

Merritts Mill Pond is a blessed recipient of numerous springs, with Jackson Blue Spring reigning as the main attraction at the head of this stunning pond. As you approach the spring, you’ll find it positioned just 10 feet west of the diving platform. The spring pool stretches an impressive 240 feet from southwest to northeast and 233 feet from northwest to southeast. At its deepest point, the spring reaches a maximum depth of 16.5 feet. The spring’s vent, which is elliptical in shape, stands at approximately 5 feet in height and spans 25 feet in width. The limestone formations near the vent bear visible backhoe scars, adding to the spring’s unique character.

What truly sets Jackson Blue Spring apart is its crystal-clear, bluish water gushing forth from the vent, creating a mesmerizing boil that is subtly visible at the surface. As you explore the spring’s underwater world, you’ll notice that around 40% of the pool bottom is adorned with algae, while aquatic and emergent vegetation is delightfully scarce.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the spring pool is designated as a swimming area, separated from the rest of Merritts Mill Pond by a sturdy chain-link fence located approximately 300 feet downstream. On the southern shore, you’ll encounter a serene lowland cypress-gum forest, providing a peaceful backdrop to your aquatic adventures. The northern half of the pool is flanked by high ground, sloping gracefully upward to nearly 20 feet above the water’s surface. This elevated terrain is predominantly clear and grassy, with nearby uplands thoughtfully developed to cater to visitors. Here, you’ll find various amenities, including buildings, a parking area, a concrete retaining wall near the shore, water slides, a diving board, and picnic tables.

For the intrepid explorers, Jackson Blue Spring also boasts an extensive underwater cave system, waiting to be uncovered and admired.

Utilization of Jackson Blue Spring

Jackson Blue Spring serves as a county swimming and recreational park, welcoming visitors from all walks of life to revel in its natural beauty and the many activities it has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing swim, an adventure beneath the water’s surface, or a relaxing picnic by the shore, this enchanting spring and its surrounding facilities have you covered. Come and experience the magic of Jackson Blue Spring for yourself!

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