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

Mattair Spring

Suwannee County

Summary of Features

  • Scale--3rd magnitude
  • Scenery--excellent
  • How Pristine?--very pristine
  • Swimming--no
  • Protection--excellent
  • Wildlife--excellent
  • Crowds--none
  • Access--good--requires walking a mile
  • Facilities--none
  • Safety--good
  • Scuba--no
  • Cost--free

Directions

From Live Oak, drive north on U.S. 129 for 6-7 miles. Turn right onto County Road 136A. Turn on 85th Road, then right onto 75th Road to the entrance. Drive until the road ends and then follow the path upriver along the river about a mile to the spring.
Web link and map: www.srwmd.state.fl.us/index.aspx?nid=166

Spring Description

When visited in fall 1999—a time of prolonged dry weather and low water level in the Suwannee River, the spring was dry. When flowing, it is a small upwelling from exposed limestone in a grotto with a short run to the Suwannee River. The water has a sulfurous odor..

Use/Access

The land is protected by the Suwannee River Water Management District(SRWMD), is open to the public, and offers camping, swimming, and boating.

Personal Impressions

RB could not figure out why he could not find the spring when it was marked clearly on a SRWMD map. It was not until he and JF found another dry spring that he realized the depression he had seen earlier was likely Mattair.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features

Contact Information


Suwannee River Water Management District
9225 CR49
Live Oak, FL 32060
800-226-1066