Best Boat Launch Spots In Merrit Pond, Florida

Merritt’s Mill Pond in Marianna, Florida, is a beautiful spring-fed pond surrounded by cypress forest. The 202-acre pond is fed by the Blue Spring or Jackson Blue, a first-magnitude spring, and several smaller springs. It is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, and cave diving. There are three main access points to the pond: a public boat ramp located off of Hunter Fish Camp Road, the Blue Springs Recreation Area, and the Florida Caverns RV Resort at the southern end of the pond. The boat ramp is free and has paved access, making it a convenient option for those looking to launch a boat at Merritt’s Mill Pond.

There is a public boat ramp at Hunters Fish Camp Road

If you're looking to launch your boat at Merritt's Mill Pond in Marianna, Florida, there is a public boat ramp at Hunters Fish Camp Road. This is one of three main access points to the pond, with the other two being Blue Springs Recreation Area and Florida Caverns RV Resort.

The boat ramp at Hunters Fish Camp Road has paved, easy access for boats and paddlers, with adequate parking available. From US 90 in Marianna, take SR 71 north for 1.1 miles to SR 164, then go 1.8 miles and turn south on Hunter Fish Camp Road to reach the ramp.

Merritt's Mill Pond is a 202-acre reservoir with crystal clear waters, fed by the first magnitude spring Blue Spring or Jackson Blue, as well as several smaller springs. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including towering stands of cypress trees draped with Spanish moss, and an abundance of wildlife. The pond is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and diving.

The Hunters Fish Camp Landing is located about a third of the way down the waterway and provides quick access to three named springs: Heidi Hole, Lamars Landing, and Gator Spring. It is also within easy reach of other springs and caves, including Shangri-la Spring, Indian Wash Tub, Twin Caves, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Hidey Hole.

Blue Springs Recreation Area is a park with picnic tables, a playground, and a swimming area

If you're looking to launch a boat at Merritt's Mill Pond in Marianna, Florida, there are a few access points to be aware of. The pond is a 202-acre reservoir fed by the Blue Spring or Jackson Blue Spring, and there are three main ways to get out onto the water.

One option is to use the boat ramp located off Hunter Fish Camp Road. This site has parking available and provides easy access for boats and paddlers. Another option is the Blue Springs Recreation Area, a park with picnic tables, a playground, and a swimming area. This area also has restrooms and volleyball courts, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. The third option is the Florida Caverns RV Resort, located at the southern end of the pond.

Now, let's focus on the Blue Springs Recreation Area. This park is a popular summer destination, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It offers a variety of amenities and recreational opportunities for visitors. As mentioned, it features picnic tables, a playground, and a designated swimming area with lifeguards. The swimming area surrounds a first-magnitude spring, known for its astounding clarity and hues of blue. The broad open basin of the spring pours forth a major spring run, with a dozen more springs along its length.

The Blue Springs Recreation Area also offers canoe and kayak rentals, allowing visitors to explore the smaller springs that feed into Merritt's Mill Pond. These include Shangri-La Spring, Indian Washtub, and Twin Caves, all located within a half-mile of Jackson Blue Spring. The recreation area is also a great spot for divers, with dive platforms set up at various spots along the waterway.

The park has a rich history, dating back to the 1800s when it was part of a plantation owned by John Milton, the fifth governor of Florida. The site has also been used for military purposes, with the nearby Graham Air Base opening during World War II. Today, the Blue Springs Recreation Area is a beautiful and relaxing destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Florida Caverns RV Resort offers a full-service campground with a boat ramp

Merritt's Mill Pond is a 202-acre spring-fed impoundment with crystal clear waters near the city of Marianna, Florida. The pond is renowned for its fishing, particularly for trophy redear sunfish (shellcracker) and largemouth bass. It is also a popular destination for cave diving, with six caves to explore. The pond is surrounded by a cypress forest and fed by Jackson County's Blue Springs and several smaller springs, creating a stunning visual of various shades of blue.

There are multiple access points to launch a boat at Merritt's Mill Pond. One option is the public boat ramp at Hunters Fish Camp Road, which has adequate parking and easy access for boats and paddlers. Another option is the Arrowhead Campground off US90 near the dam, although a launch fee applies. Additionally, the Blue Springs Recreation Area, maintained by Jackson County, offers rentals, picnic tables, a playground, a volleyball court, restrooms, and a designated swimming area.

Florida Caverns RV Resort is an excellent choice for those looking for a full-service campground with a boat ramp. It provides easy access to Merritt's Mill Pond and all the activities it has to offer, including paddling, diving, and fishing. The campground is conveniently located near the dam, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the spring-fed pond and the surrounding nature.

Arrowhead Campground has a boat launch but a fee applies

If you're looking to launch a boat at Merritt's Mill Pond in Marianna, Florida, there are a few access points to be aware of. One is a public boat ramp located off Hunter Fish Camp Road. This ramp offers easy access for boats and paddlers, with adequate parking available. There is also the Blue Springs Recreation Area, which has various amenities, including picnic tables, a playground, and a designated swimming area. This area is open during the summer season and charges an admission fee of $4 per person.

Another option for boat launch is Arrowhead Campground, which is located off US90 near the dam. However, it's important to note that a launch fee applies at this location. This campground is one of the two private businesses that provide access to Merritt's Mill Pond. Despite the fee, Arrowhead Campground can be a convenient option for those looking to explore the pond by boat.

Merritt's Mill Pond is a 202-acre spring-fed body of water known for its crystal clear waters and surrounding cypress forest. It offers a beautiful setting for kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The pond is also a popular destination for cave divers, with six caves to explore. With its easy accessibility and natural wonders, it's no wonder that many choose to launch their boats at Arrowhead Campground, even with the additional fee.

Arrowhead Campground's boat launch fee is a worthwhile investment for those seeking convenience and a seamless entry to the pond. The fee grants you access to their facilities, ensuring a smooth transition from land to water. Their launch site is strategically positioned near the dam, providing a great starting point for your exploration of the pond's four-mile length. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a diver, or an angler, launching your boat from Arrowhead Campground is a practical choice that simplifies your experience on the water.

Blue Spring is the main source of water for Merritt's Mill Pond

Merritts Mill Pond is a 202-acre reservoir located just east of Marianna, Florida. It is a beautiful, crystal-clear pond surrounded by a cypress forest and is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and cave diving. The pond was created by a dam built in the 1800s for an old grist mill.

The main source of water for Merritts Mill Pond is Blue Spring, also known as Jackson Blue Spring. It is a first magnitude spring, discharging an average of about 70 to 76 million gallons of water per day. The spring is located within a limestone cave close to 5,000 ft in length. The spring emanates from underwater caves, where rare Georgia blind salamanders and Dougherty Plain cave crayfish are found.

In addition to Blue Spring, several smaller springs also feed into Merritts Mill Pond, including Shangri-la, Twin Caves, Indian Wash Tub, Hole-in-the-Wall, Gator Hole, and Hidey Hole. These springs create a haven for wildlife viewing as you explore the pond. The pond is known for its trophy redear sunfish (shellcracker) fishing and has produced state and world-record catches.

There are several access points to launch a boat at Merritts Mill Pond. One is the public boat ramp located off Hunter Fish Camp Road, which has adequate parking and easy access for boats and paddlers. Another option is the Arrowhead Campground off US90 near the dam, but a launch fee applies. Additionally, there are private businesses, such as campgrounds, that offer boat launch services for a fee.

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