Dogwood Spring
Gilchrist County
Summary of Features
- Scale -2nd magnitude
- Scenery -fine
- How Pristine? -land partly cleared around spring, steps to water, developedcamping/swimming/recreation area
- Swimming -good
- Protection -very good
- Crowds -heavy on warm weekends
- Access -excellent
- Facilities -excellent
- Safety -fine
- Scuba -no
- Cost -free from river; $14 for adults and $4 for children age 6-12 to swim
Directions
Part of the Ginnie Springs complex at 5000 NE 60th Avenue, High Springs, FL 32643
From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile. Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road), drive about 6.5 miles, and then turn right onto graded road at sign for Ginnie Springs. Follow another mile to the entrance.
Spring Description
The spring is circular and approximately 30 feet in diameter. Water flows the center of the pool from limestone openings. There is a visible boil or slick on the surface. Water in the spring is very clear except when the Santa Fe River is high, and the depth at the vent is about 10 feet. Water flows from an opening in the limestone that is perhaps 6 feet wide. Under sunny conditions, the spring is a very bright blue. Water from the spring forms a run that is about 12 feet wide, 3-5 feet deep, and 250 feet to the Santa Fe River in the middle of the Ginnie Springs complex. There is some hydrilla in the run. Water in the spring is clear and can be blue or green depending on lighting and other conditions. The inteconnected cavern systems associated with this and other springs at Ginnie Springs have been mapped for 33,000feet. Over 30,000 divers visit the Ginnie Springs complex each year. Water in the spring is around 72 degrees. Studies show that the springs are fed by two watersheds that encompass 300 square miles (Rauch, 2003).
Use/Access
- The spring is in the camping area at Ginnie Springs, next to a dirt road and a covered pavilion used for picnicking.
- A wooden platform has been constructed on one side of the spring to providea view and access for swimmers and snorkelers.
- Ginnie Springs is a full-facility recreation/dive site, with camping areas along the river and near springs (including this spring), a store, compressors for air tanks, scuba lessons, tubing, picnic areas, bathrooms, and other concessions.
- Canoers can paddle from the Santa Fe River up the run to the spring.
- The lucky (and early) camper can reserve a campsite right next to this spring.
Local Springiana
Water from Dogwood Spring is tapped and bottled for sale. The pipe is not readily visible from the surface. JF was told that 1 mgd is drawn from this spring and nearby Ginnie Spring. The owners of Ginnie Springs supposedly receive $0.01 per gallon taken from the spring, which would total $3.65 million per year if water were drawn every day.
Personal Impressions
Although small in comparison to the other springs at Ginnie, Dogwood is very beautiful. Unlike the Devils’ Springs and Ginnie, one can stand very close to the vent and have a clear view of Dogwood. The temptation to jump in is powerful.
Nearby Springs
- Poe Springs
- Darby Spring
- Hornsby Spring
- ALA112791
- ALA930971
- Lily Springs
- Pickard Springs
- COL101971
- Rum Island Springs
- Blue Spring
- Naked Spring
- Johnson Spring
- Ginnie Springs group
- Sawdust Spring
- COL1012972
- COL1012971
- GIL1012973
- Myrtle's Fissure
- GIL1012971
- GIL1012972
- 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park
- O'Leno State Park
- San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
- Devil's Millhopper State Geologic Site
- River Rise State Preserve
- Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park