The combination of diverse cultural influences and thousands of acres of public lands have made Jackson County, Florida, a natural location for those who love history as well as those who enjoy hitting the trails. Just one hour west of Tallahassee and one hour north of Panama City, this is a quick escape to a rural paradise that is filled with rich history and crisscrossed by a variety of outdoor trails.
The perfect place to begin a cultural tour is at Jackson County’s official Visitor Center, the Historic Russ House (4318 West Lafayette Street, Marianna, Florida 32446 850-482-8061). Built in the 1890s it is considered one of the most beautiful Classical Revival/Queen Anne homes in America. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is said to be haunted. Guided tours are available on weekdays and visitors will also find information about other historic sites and the variety of trails in the county.
The Jackson County Spanish Heritage Trail is a half-day driving tour that covers 150 miles of beautiful Northwest Florida scenery and features 11 sites important to the county’s Spanish Colonial history. Tour highlights include these interpretive kiosks, and more:
Mission San Carlos (West Bank Overlook off U.S. 90, Sneads, Florida) Established in 1680, this was once the westernmost European settlement in Florida. In a village of Christian Chacato (Chatot) Indians, San Carlos consisted of a church and other structures until it was destroyed by Creek Indian raiders in 1696. The site was found by archaeologists in the 1940s.
Chacato Rebellion (The Heritage Drive and Sanders Avenue at Heritage Village, Graceville, Florida 32440) Heritage Village tells the story of the revolt against Spanish missionaries by Chacato (Chatot) Indians in 1675. Led by the chief Dioscale, who became angry after priests told him he could not keep all of his multiple wives.
Fernandez de Florencia Raid (2659 Front Street, Cottondale, Florida 32431) This interpretive kiosk tells the story of the 1677 raid against local Native American tribes. The route of a Christian Apalachee Militia, which carried out the raid, passed through Jackson County and across the site of what is now Cottondale.
The Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail (4057 Highway 162, Marianna, Florida 32446) is a half-mile nature trail that leads to the oldest bridge of its type in Florida. Built in 1914 on the site of a previous wooden bridge that dated back to 1840, Bellamy Bridge is one of the 10 oldest bridges in Florida and is home to one of Florida’s best-known ghost stories. Some call this “Florida’s Most Haunted Bridge” based on the story of a young woman named Elizabeth Jane Bellamy who died here in 1837. Her restless spirit is said to haunt the bridge and surrounding swamp in an eternal search for her beloved husband.
Jackson County is also home to thousands of acres of public lands where hikers, bikers and equestrians can hit the trails. The Chipola River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) (3717 Bumpnose Road, Marianna, Florida 32446) includes more than 9,000 acres in two separate tracts located along the Chipola River in two counties. The 7,719-acre Jackson County area lies just north of Marianna and its southern border adjoins Florida Caverns State Park. Visitors can take a 4.5-mile paddling trip on the Upper Chipola River Paddling Trail, starting at Christoff Landing and ending at Florida Caverns State Park. The Upper Chipola Recreational Trail system can be accessed through Florida Caverns State Park and offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding on a portion of the WMA.
The Apalachee Wildlife Management Area (1900-4599 River Road, Sneads, Florida 32460) includes 17 miles of unpaved roads through areas of uplands and wetlands that are home to abundant resident and migratory wildlife. Here, visitors can explore numerous paddling, hiking and horseback riding opportunities.
In addition to these managed wild lands, Jackson County has two amazing state parks to explore. Florida Caverns State Park (3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, Florida 32446; 850-482-1228) is best known as home to an amazing cave system, accessible by walking tour. The intriguing world of the 65-degree cave includes black pools and intricate limestone stalactites and stalagmites that have formed through thousands of years. Three Rivers State Park (7908 Three Rivers Park Road, Sneads, Florida 32460; 850-482-9006) is named for the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers that merge to form the Apalachicola River below Lake Seminole. Situated along two miles of the lake’s southern shore at the Florida-Georgia border, the lake is the centerpiece of the 682-acre park. Bass fishing is favorite, but paddling is popular here, too. Canoe rentals are available, and two launch sites offer easy access. There are also 9.7 miles of multiuse trails and paved roads in the park for hikers and bicyclists to enjoy.
Where to Stay
There is a variety of lodging available, allowing visitors to choose from hotels and motels offering plenty of options. There are also more than a half dozen campgrounds throughout the county with a variety of amenities amid beautiful settings.
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