Florida Caverns State Park lost more than 90% of its thick canopied forest on Oct. 10, 2018, due to Category 5 Hurricane Michael. Major progress has been made toward repairing infrastructure and utilities and in removing debris.
Florida Caverns has reopened a large portion of the park. The campground and river access remain closed. Bluehole swimming area and multiuse trails in the back of the park have reopened; however, the pavilions and restrooms in that area have non-potable water.
We are excited to announce the surface-based lighting and electrical system that illuminates the cave has been restored. We are able to offer guided cave tours with a state-of-the-art LED lighting system, which helps with energy efficiency while protecting the light-sensitive ecosystems of the cavern. Visitors are now able to see the cave formations clearly without the use of a flashlight. Tour guides will take you on a journey through time to see formations that have grown over thousands of years.
The community has rallied around Florida Caverns State Park. Volunteers continue to help clean up debris. Thousands of trees have been planted throughout the park that were generously donated by multiple groups.
We are on the road to recovery. Slowly but surely, we are recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Michael. Thank you for your patience as we rebuild our park.
