Hidey Hole
Location: Jackson County, Florida, United States
Hidey Hole is a small and discreet cave system located near the center of Merritt’s Mill Pond.
The entrance lies in the pond floor and is easy to miss without precise knowledge of its location.
Geological Context
Structure & Layout
Hydrological Characteristics
Exploration History
Cave Data
Current Status
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
Location: Jackson County, Florida
Water Source: Floridan Aquifer
Cave Type: Submerged limestone cave system
Depth Range: 15–20 feet (4.5–6 meters)
Water Temperature: ~68°F (20°C)
Geology: Karst limestone
Primary Access: Spring vent
Exploration Status: Fully explored
Current Status
The system now appears to function as an inactive spring. With little to no flow, sediment rapidly re-accumulates and blocks the entrance.
Despite multiple efforts to excavate the opening, sediment overtakes the entrance quickly, preventing re-entry.
Related Systems
Return to Merritt’s Mill Pond Caves
Return to Florida Panhandle Cave Systems
Photo Gallery
Coming soon