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

GIL99972 or Mella Spring

Gilchrist County

Summary of Features

  • Scale - 3rd magnitude (est.)
  • Scale - 3rd magnitude
  • Scenery - fine
  • How Pristine? - house above spring, undergrowth cleared above spring
  • Swimming - good, fine snorkeling
  • Protection - unknown
  • Access - adjacent land is private; make no landfall
  • Facilities - none
  • Safety - unknown
  • Scuba - no
  • Cost - free

Quick Directions

On the Santa Fe River about ¼ mile below where it is joined by the Ichetucknee River on the south side.

Full

From Branford, drive east/south on U.S. 27 to junction with Highway 129/49. Turn south. Drive about 5 miles to Highway 138 and turn east. Drive 3.4 miles to NE 2nd Way.  Follow 2nd Way 2.6 miles to dirt road on right and the boat ramp on the Santa Fe River. Paddle approx. four miles to where Ichetucknee River joins the Santa Fe. The spring is about ¼ mile below the confluence on the left (south) side at the back yard of a house.

Spring Description

The spring is adjacent to the riverbank and forms a small pool of irregular shape and two sections amid exposed limestone. On date of visit, a time of drought (January 2001), the pool was much reduced and only about 12 by 20 feet in diameter. Water flows from an eight-foot-deep limestone opening in the back (SW) end of the pool. The water was very clear and blue on the date of visit.

Land around the pool has been partially cleared and serves as the yard for the owners of a house on the property. There is a mature cypress tree in the center of the spring on the east side; its diameter is 3-4 feet.

Use/Access

Personal Impressions

The spring is very lovely and appealing.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features