Blue Spring, Marianna, Florida, 32447

## Overview Blue Spring is a stunning natural spring located near Marianna in Jackson County, Florida. Situated along the shores of Merritts Mill Pond — a scenic, spring-fed waterway renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters — Blue Spring is one of several first-magnitude springs that feed the pond. The spring produces a large volume of water and is set within Blue Springs Recreation Area, a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and simply relaxing in a beautiful natural setting. The Merritts Mill Pond corridor, stretching roughly five miles, is home to more than a dozen named springs, and Blue Spring is among the most accessible and well-known. The area's geology is shaped by the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive aquifer systems in the world, which pushes water up through limestone formations to create these remarkable springs. The water typically maintains a cool, constant temperature year-round — characteristic of Florida's spring systems — making it a refreshing retreat even during the hottest summer months. While Blue Spring has historically been used as a water source and visitors have reported the water to be clear and clean-tasting, water quality cannot be guaranteed for drinking purposes, as no current lab tests or certifications are available for this listing. ## Directions 1. From **Marianna, FL**, head north on **FL-71** (State Road 71). 2. Turn onto **Blue Springs Road** (County Road 164) heading east. 3. Follow Blue Springs Road until you reach **Blue Springs Recreation Area** (address: 5493 County Rd 164, Marianna, FL 32446). 4. Enter the park — the spring is accessible from within the recreation area grounds. 5. **GPS Coordinates:** 30.790456, -85.139902 *Note: The recreation area may charge a small entrance or parking fee. Check locally for current hours and seasonal availability.* ## What to Expect Blue Spring sits within a well-maintained recreation area that offers ample space for visitors. The spring pool is expansive, with vivid blue-green water that is remarkably clear — visibility can extend well below the surface, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling and underwater photography. The surrounding landscape features lush subtropical vegetation, towering cypress trees, and shaded picnic areas. The recreation area provides basic amenities including parking, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. Swimming and wading are popular activities, and the spring's connection to Merritts Mill Pond makes it a great launch point for kayaking or canoeing along the pond's spring-fed waters. Visitors should be aware that dining options in the immediate vicinity are limited — plan to bring your own food and drinks for a day trip. The spring area is spacious enough for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a peaceful natural escape. Weekends and warm-weather months tend to draw larger crowds, so arriving early can help secure a good spot. The spring is a wonderful destination year-round, though the constant cool water temperature is most appreciated during Florida's warm season from late spring through early fall.