Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs.
3rd Edition by Joe Follman and Richard Buchanan

Chipola Unnamed Alcove Spring

Jackson County

Summary of Features

  • Scale--3th magnitude, est. 
  • Scenery--Good-very good 
  • How Pristine?--Near railroad bridge, otherwise natural 
  • Swimming--No 
  • Protection--Unknown 
  • Crowds--None 
  • Access--Very good, by boat only 
  • Facilities--None 
  • Safety--Very good 
  • Scuba--No 
  • Cost--Free

Directions

Accessible via boat.  From the center of Marianna on U.S. 90, go north on Jefferson Street (State Road 167--the same turn as for Florida Cavern State Park) and proceed about 1.5 miles to the bridge over the Chipola River. Put in and go downstream about 3 miles.  The spring is 300 feet south of the point where the railroad bridge crosses the Chipola River, on the west side.  GPS coordinates:  N30.45.631; W85.13.027.

Spring Description

The spring consists of several flows that form a small alcove onthe west bank of the Chipola River.  The alcove is semicircular and about 20 feet in diameter.  The main flow is from a limestone opening in the bottom of the alcove on the south side.  The vent is about one foot in diameter, four feet deep, creates a pool within the alcove, and has a visible boil.  There appears to be a smaller flowpoint 1-2 feet from the main vent and nearer to the bank.  Water flowed from the base on north side of the bank/alcove in 3-4 seeps.  The water fromthe spring was clear--noticeably clearer than the adjacent river water.

Use/Access

There is no apparent use of the spring.

Personal Impressions

An attractive little spring alcove.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features