Ellaville Spring
Suwannee County
Summary of Features
- Scale -1st magnitude
- Scenery -excellent
- How Pristine? -platform and walkway around spring, house on one side, landcleared behind spring
- Swimming -excellent; outstanding snorkeling
- Protection -excellent
- Crowds -heavy on warm days
- Access -outstanding
- Facilities -fine
- Safety -excellent
- Scuba -yes
- Cost -$1 per person
Quick Directions
Just past and behind the agriculture weigh station where U.S. 90 crosses the Suwannee River, about 50 feet from the railroad trestle on the east bank. Just outside of the entrance to Suwannee River State Park at 3631 201st Path, Live Oak, FL 32060, (386) 362-2746; website--https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Suwannee-River)
Full Directions
From Interstate 10 exit #262 travel north four miles on County Road 255 to town of Lee and turn right (east) on U.S. 90. Drive about 11 miles and cross the Suwannee River. The turnoff to Ellaville Spring is right after you cross the Suwannee. Turn left on the dirt road that cuts sharply behind the agricultural inspection station on the north side of Highway 90. Turn left on a dirt/grass path just before the railroad tracks and drive about 150 feet toward the river. The spring is 75 feet on the left.
Spring Description
Water flows out of a tube-like cave system, forms two small pools, and then tumbles powerfully into the Suwannee River through massive limestone boulders. The first pool is only a few feet in diameter and is the site of the vent, which cannot be seen clearly in the shade despite the clear water. The second pool is larger--about 8 by 15 feet--and about 6 feet deep.Limestone boulders line and sit in the 35-foot run to the river. Scubadivers JF met at the site said there was a narrow vertical shaft--at least 125 feet deep--that they had just dived. The site is completely canopied, and algae grows on the limestone.
Use/Access
- The boulders are fun to climb around on but are sharp and the moss on some of them makes going slippery, so watch your step because a fall could result in serious injury. The spring offers good dipping but not really swimming--the perpetual shade make getting wet a chilling experience, and the strong flow toward the sharp rocks inspires concerns that one might be swept away.
- Suwannacoochie Spring, Lime Spring Run, Ellaville Spring, and Little Gem Spring are all within about 400 yards of the boat ramp at the State Park.
Personal Impressions
With its huge boulders, waterfall, swirling pools, and clear dark waters, Ellaville is visually striking. The impression is increased by the mundane surroundings in which it is located.
Nearby Springs
- Alapaha Spring
- Anderson Spring
- Holton Spring
- Little Gem Spring
- Lime Spring
- Falmouth Spring
- Adams Spring
- Morgan's Spring
- Suwannacoochie Spring
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Suwannee River State Park
- Withlacoochie River
- Two Rivers State Forest