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

Chipola Unnnamed Riverbank Springs (Plus Alamo Cave)

Jackson County

Summary of Features

  • Scale:  All have small flow
  • Scenery:  Fine
  • How Pristine?:  Very pristine
  • Swimming:  No
  • Protection:  Unknown
  • Crowds:  None
  • Access:  Very good; boat only
  • Facilities:  None
  • Safety:  Very good
  • Scuba:  No
  • Cost:  Free

Quick Directions

Directions

Accessible via small 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 3.25-3.5 miles.  Look for flowpoints at the base of limestone banks and boulders at the water's edge at the following coordinates:

Spring Description

There are several similar small springs on the west bank of the Chipola River in an area stretching from shortly after the Unnamed Alcove Spring to Alamo Cave.  The springs are similar in composition--small flows from openings in or between limestone rocks and boulders at the river's edge and forming the base of the riverbank.  Springflow was seen and confirmed at Springs A & C, and is suspected but not confirmed from flowpoints B and D.  The area has a lot of exposed limestone on the west bank, which rises up to 30 feet above the river.  Flow from these springs is clear, and the flow points are inundated when the river is high. Just below these confirmed and possible springs is Alamo Cavern, which is at the river's edge and has a series of passages including a main passageway that can be entered at a distance of more than 200 feet to the west.

Use/Access

There is no apparent use of any of these small springs, which are all in a pristine condition.

Local Springiana

Text from Johnson & Faircloth:

Personal Impressions

Worth a look and that's about it; Deer does not have the visual or recreational appeal of the other springs in the Ginnie Springs complex.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features