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

GIL928972

Gilchrist County

Summary of Features

  • Scale - 4th magnitude
  • Scenery - fine
  • How Pristine? - completely pristine
  • Swimming - no
  • Protection - unknown, private
  • Crowds - none
  • Access - good, boat and then overland
  • Facilities - none
  • Scuba - no
  • Cost - free

Quick Directions

Shortly past Cedar Spring on the south side of Santa Fe River.

Directions

From Fort White, drive south on State Road 47 about five miles to bridge over the Santa Fe River and put in at boat ramp (going downstream). After 25 minutes, or shortly after passing the downstream run of GIL928971 and Cedar Spring, look on the south (left) side of the river for a narrow spring run that curls into the river from the west. Look for a 4-5 foot bank on the upriver side of the mouth of the run, and a lower bank on the downriver side.

Spring Description

The presumed site of the springhead is inland from the river about 50 yards in an area of deep floodplain forest. On date of visit in January 2001, a time of drought, the spring and run were dry. The most likely site of the springhead is in the photograph below. However, there was evidence of water flow behind this site, and the springhead might be further inland. The likely spring area is a depression set about 10 feet below the surrounding land and covered with tree branches and roots. The run winds about 75 yards to the river. The run was completely covered in leaves, identical to the surrounding high ground, suggesting the spring had been dry for months.

Use/Access

None. The run is narrow and would likely not be navigable even in timesof normal water levels. The area was not posted.

Personal Impressions

The spring is in a completely natural and undisturbed setting, something that can be said for only a small percentage of Florida springs.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features