Should you go?
Jackson Blue is the head of Merritt's Mill Pond, a four-and-a-half-mile spring-fed lake outside Marianna that's a Panhandle institution — swimming and a rope swing at the spring, paddling and fishing the length of the pond, and a series of caves along its edges that draw serious divers.
The spring pumps first-magnitude flow into water so clear the pond bottom stays visible far from shore.
Visiting
Entry is $4/person and includes the kayak/canoe launch fee (verified against Jackson County's own site and springsinflorida.com). The park is genuinely seasonal — open daily from late May through early August, then weekends only through Labor Day, closed the rest of the year. Jackson Blue heads the 202-acre Merritt's Mill Pond, producing 76 million gallons of water daily, with a cave entrance around 40 feet reached through a 12-foot cavern approach. Facilities include a playground, volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, and canoe/kayak rentals. Cave/cavern diving requires full cave certification and a separate ~$25/day fee with key access via the sheriff's office — and diving closes entirely each Memorial Day to prioritize summer swimmers. Six named springs feed into Merritt's Mill Pond beyond Jackson Blue itself — Shangri-La, Twin Caves, Hole-in-the-Wall, Gator Hole, and Indian Washtub — giving paddlers real variety to explore across the pond's 202 acres. One rental outfitter offers transparent-bottom kayaks that let you watch fish swimming 20 feet below as you paddle, a genuinely memorable detail for kids. Trampoline diving platforms round out the swim area alongside a sandy beach. Fishing here is serious business too — the pond currently holds the state record for redear sunfish at 4.86 pounds, which was briefly a world record.
When to go
Summer, when the swim area is open. The mill pond paddles well year-round even when swimming is closed.
Local tips
Kayak rentals run around $10/hour or $35/day, covering roughly 4 miles of water to explore if you go the full loop. Ask about the transparent kayaks specifically if seeing fish beneath you appeals to your family. The park does periodic scheduled water drawdowns to manually clear invasive grass from the most popular swim area — worth knowing if you visit right after one and see slightly different water levels than expected.
Rules & restrictions
The swim area operates seasonally — verify before driving. Cave diving requires certification and county permitting.
Good to know
Dogs: No pets (service animals only). Season: Swim area seasonal (summer).
Facilities
Restrooms, picnic areas, boat ramp, swim area with rope swing, and parking. Seasonal staffing. A fully stocked concession stand serves snow cones and snacks, and pavilion rentals are available for groups. Current seasonal hours (starting March 2026): Monday-Friday 10am-5:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 9:30am-6pm.
Wildlife you may see
Bass fishing is serious business on the mill pond. Turtles, alligators at the edges, ospreys, and wading birds throughout.
History & background
Merritt's Mill Pond was created by damming the spring run in the 1800s to power a mill; the resulting lake became a Panhandle recreation staple. More than 40 years ago, the federal government owned the Shangri-La site within the pond and operated an officer's club there for members of the nearby Graham Air Force Base — an unusual military history tucked into an otherwise natural setting.
Map & directions
FAQs
Is Jackson Blue open year-round?
No u2014 the swimming area operates seasonally, typically summer. Verify current Jackson County hours before visiting.
Can you cave dive at Jackson Blue?
Yes, for certified cave divers u2014 the Merritt's Mill Pond caves are well known, though access is permitted through Jackson County.
How big is Merritt's Mill Pond?
Roughly four and a half miles long, fed by Jackson Blue Spring, and paddleable end to end.
Are there transparent kayaks at Jackson Blue Spring?
Yes, offered by at least one rental outfitter u2014 they let you watch fish swimming 20 feet below as you paddle, a memorable extra for kids.
How many springs feed Merritt's Mill Pond?
Six named springs total, including Jackson Blue itself: Shangri-La, Twin Caves, Hole-in-the-Wall, Gator Hole, and Indian Washtub.
Is fishing good at Jackson Blue Spring's pond?
Yes u2014 Merritt's Mill Pond currently holds the state record for redear sunfish at 4.86 pounds, briefly a world record.
Visitor photos
See this week’s shots: Instagram #jacksonbluespring · TikTok #jacksonblue
Great for: Family-Friendly · Kayaking · Scuba Diving · Snorkeling · Swimming
