Chipola River Greenway
The Chipola River Greenway is a stunning 291-acre chain of five parcels located along the river’s west side. Bursting with rare plants, birds, butterflies, and wildlife, this stunning area offers an exciting adventure for nature lovers. As you explore the trails, you’ll encounter vibrant ecosystems, fascinating geological formations, and hidden caves.
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Sites At This Location
Hinson
This 226-acre portion of the greenway south of Marianna has more than 5 miles of trails through upland forest, pines, open fields, karst (cave) areas and wetlands, plus a non-motorized boat launch with access to the picturesque, 51-mile Chipola River Paddling Trail. The outer perimeter trail (made up of four loops) is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail; connector trails in the interior can shorten your hike if needed. There are numerous opportunities to stop, wander and listen along the unpaved, winding entrance road. At the parking area at the end of Gator Hole Rd., you can walk along the river either on the East or South loop trails, or launch your kayak/canoe. The first ¼ mile of the river trail is a good spot to look for Winter Wren between December and February; check the tangles of roots and brush along the banks and listen for its distinctive call. In spring and summer look for Acadian Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Kentucky and Swainson’s Warblers. Resident birds include Eastern Bluebird, Barred Owl and Wild Turkey. You may encounter a Gulf Coast Box Turtle and early morning and late afternoon are good times to see White-tailed Deer. The native wildflowers are spectacular along the river between March and April. Be advised that portions of the trail can be flooded at times, so plan accordingly.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
Managing Agency
City of Marianna
Operational Hours: 8am to sundown
Size: 232 acres
Butler Tract
Located in a quiet subdivision on the north side of Marianna, the 110-acre Butler Tract is another tranquil segment of the Chipola River Greenway good for wildlife watching. Floodplain forest is the dominant habitat type here; some pines are also present where the soils are higher and drier. In the summer listen for singing Wood Thrush and Red-eyed Vireo around the parking area. The nearly 2-mile loop trail through the lush riparian woodlands can yield anything from Pileated Woodpecker and White-eyed Vireo. In the spring and summer be alert for the sounds of Broad-winged Hawk, Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Swainson’s Warbler as you wander along the river. During fall migration Hooded and Kentucky Warblers can be found, and between December and February look and listen for Winter Wrens. Listen also for the melodious, high-pitched calls of the aptly-named Bird-voiced Treefrog, whose range in Florida is limited to the western Panhandle. Crayfish “chimneys” are noticeable along the trail as well; burrowing species build these tubes from pellets of mud as they excavate their homes in the ground. Butterflies you may see include red-spotted purple, hackberry emperor and Phaon crescent. Be advised that portions of the trail can be flooded at times, so plan accordingly.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
Managing Agency
Jackson County
Operational Hours: sunrise to sundown
Size: 291 acres
