A clear spring, which in reality is a subterranean river, rising out of the lime rock, sends its lovely azure stream down through the park over a mile before it enters the Chipola River. The Chipola Natural Bridge, located in the park, is a fourth-mile long and has been restored to its original interesting geological condition with the removal of logs and lumber which had jammed into it in bygone days when the river was used to float them down to a mill. Open the year round, Florida Caverns State Park is comparable in interest to Carlsbad Caverns, N. M., Mammoth Caves, Ky., and Luray Caverns, Va. In addition to its geological attractions, the area in which Florida Caverns is located is of peculiar interest biologically. In it are found many species of both plants and animals that are not expected so far south, as well as a large number of typically southern forms. The State Park system of Florida has been developed as a coordinated group of Parks, each one of which stands upon its own merits and each one possessing as many as possible of the following values: Outstanding historic, scenic and scientific attractions. Florida Caverns is richly endowed with them all. I hope that you have found this discussion of the creation of lime rock, the formation of caves under water, the elevation of these caves above permanent water levels and the subsequent deposition in them, of interest.... We of the Florida Geological Survey and Florida Park Service hope that you enjoy your visit to the Florida Caverns State Park. _This booklet published by The Florida Park Service, Tallahassee; photography by Monte de Oca, F.S. N.B., and William Z. Harmon; designed and printed by Rose Printing Co., Inc., Tallahassee._ [Illustration: Overhanging rock projection caused by erosion of ancient river. Note large tree growing in rock behind upper visitor. This feature may be all that remains of a large cave, the surrounding limestone having been removed. If the overhanging portion were connected to land a perfect natural bridge would be formed.] [Illustration: Who would expect to find this cavern scene in Florida? Icicle-like formations and a mirror pool are features of one of the state’s most unexpected attractions at Florida Caverns State Park.] MARIANNA, FLORIDA _The Home of Florida Caverns_ Marianna is located in the northwest section of Florida, approximately twenty miles from both the Georgia and the Alabama state lines. The Gulf of Mexico lies forty-five miles to the south, the Apalachicola River fifteen miles to the east, and Port St. Joe only seventy miles southeast of Marianna. It is relatively easy to travel to the various population centers of the southeast because of Marianna’s centralized location.