1017

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

GIL107971

Gilchrist County

Summary of Features

  • Scale - 2nd magnitude
  • Scenery - fine
  • How Pristine? - completely pristine
  • Swimming - poor-fair
  • Protection - unknown
  • Crowds - none
  • Access - very good, boat only
  • Facilities - none
  • Safety - very good
  • Scuba - unknown
  • Cost - free

Directions

From Branford, drive east/south on U.S. 27 about 4 miles to junction with U.S. 129. Drive south on U.S. 129 for about 5 miles, and turn right (west), immediately after passing the turn for State Road 138 (which is on the left/east). Drive on graded dirt road and then turn right/west on NW 39 Avenue to the Wanamake boat ramp on the Santa Fe River. (Note: the Santa Fe River is only about ¼ mile from the Suwannee River at this boat ramp.) Put in and go upriver about ½ mile and look for spring n the right/east side.

Spring Description

The spring forms a large pool at the edge of the river and is about 75 feet across and semicircular. A small creek flows either from or into the back of the pool. On date and time of visit (January 2001, just before sunset), the water was not clear and no flow was visible. The land around the spring is low and is floodplain forest. Hardwood trees line the edge of the spring, including a large and spreading tree on the downriver (south) side. A great blue heron was fishing in the creek/backwater behind the spring.

Use/Access

There is no apparent use at this very pristine site.

Personal Impressions

In trying to photograph this spring from a point of altitude, JF slipped and fell out of a tree, and limped for the next three weeks.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features