Hidey Hole
Location: Jackson County, Florida, United States
The entrance lies in the pond floor and is easy to miss without precise knowledge of its location.
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Hidey Hole Spring can be reached by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the Hunter Fish Camp Boat launch in Marianna, Florida. Depending on water levels and current conditions, paddlers can access the spring by following the Merritt’s Mill Pond north for about 15 minutes. During summer months, be attentive to motorized traffic on the pond. The route is generally suitable for recreational paddlers, though conditions may vary throughout the year.
The spring is not easily identified from the surface. It is located about 75 feet from the east bank of the pond near a residential dock. Please do not tie up or access to the dock. The spring is a small vent located on the floor of the pond. Paddlers may encounter limestone formations, submerged vents, native wildlife, and the clear blue water commonly associated with Florida’s spring systems. The spring provides a unique opportunity to observe the connection between Florida’s surface waterways and the hidden groundwater network flowing beneath the landscape.
Geological Context
The opening is positioned within limestone typical of the Merritt’s Mill Pond basin.
Due to minimal discharge, sediment frequently accumulates around the entrance, often partially sealing it.
The system appears to function more as a low-flow or inactive spring compared to neighboring systems within the pond.
Structure & Layout
The entrance historically required excavation to permit entry.
Initial access was achieved via no-mount configuration with a single cylinder. Interior passage is limited in extent and remains small in profile.
Sediment accumulation has repeatedly reduced the opening size, restricting continued access.
Hydrological Characteristics
Hidey Hole exhibits minimal active discharge.
Without consistent flow, sediment rapidly overtakes the opening, making long-term accessibility unreliable.
The lack of sustained flow differentiates it from more hydrologically active systems within Merritt’s Mill Pond.
Exploration History
Roger Longbottom discovered and explored the cave in the mid-2000s, extending line approximately 500 feet from the entrance. In 2009, a search effort led to rediscovery of the concealed opening. After clearing sediment from the entrance, limited penetration and documentation were completed.
Subsequent visits indicated progressive infilling of the entrance. Repeated attempts to reopen the access point have been unsuccessful due to lack of sufficient flow to clear sediment naturally.
Cave Data
Hidey Hole is a no mount entry that’s often choked in by sand. It will require digging out the sand to make it large enough to fit through. Most of the time, there isn’t sufficient current coming from the spring and the attempt at digging it out will place you in zero visibility in the bottom of the pond. It’s not recommended to dive when conditions are as such.
Current Status
- No mount opening
- Opening is typically filled in by surrounding sand
- Low flow makes it difficult to maintain an accessible opening
The Hidden Rivers of Florida documents the springs, rivers, sinkholes, caves, and groundwater systems that shape Florida’s landscape. Through exploration, photography, research, and firsthand observation, the project seeks to connect visitors with the hidden waterways flowing beneath the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
The spring is located about 15 minutes north of the Hunter Fish Camp boat launch on Merritt’s Mill Pond in Marianna, Florida. It is about 100 feet west of the east bank
Yes, you can kayak from the Hunter Fish Camp boat launch. However, Hidey Hole is very difficult to find when you’re underwater looking for it. Finding it from the surface is even more difficult.
It has not been confirmed, but it might be. The opening is often closed in by sand. When trying to dig it out, the sediment remains in the area, eliminating all visibility. More than a decade ago, there was current coming from the opening that would push the disturbed sediment away. That has not happened since.
A dead spring is a natural spring that has stopped flowing or gone dry. In regards to Hidey Hole, it is likely still filled with water, but no current is flowing out of the opening.
Its proximity to Lamar’s Landing suggests the 2 systems may be connected. However, because access to Hidey Hole has been restricted for the past decade and access to Lamar’s Landing has never been gained, this has not been confirmed.
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