Scale—3rd magnitude (est.)
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—completely pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—excellent
Crowds—none
Access—fairly arduous, canoe and wading
Facilities—none
Safety—fair
Scuba—no
Cost—free
| Summary of Features
Scale—3rd magnitude (est.)
|
|
Directions
As land access from Blue Springs is limited, one must canoe from Walsingham
Bridge or Walsingham Park. From the intersection of State Road 20 and U.S.
231 north of Panama City, drive west on SR20 about 7 miles to bridge over
Econfina Creek. Continue another 1/3 mile, then turn right onto Strickland
Road. Drive 2.6 miles to stop sign at T-junction. Turn left at stop sign
onto what becomes Porter Park Road. Continue 2.3 miles, then turn right
onto Hampshire Road. Continue 1.2 miles, then turn right at sign for Walsingham
bridge. Continue another 1.55 miles to one-lane plank Walsingham Bridge
over Econfina Creek. There is a primitive launch at the SE edge of the
bridge, or carry on another ¼ mile to Walsingham Park, which has
a better boat launch. The mouth of the run of this spring run is just below
the mouth of the Blue Springs Group run on the Econfina River, a little
over 3 miles from the put-in.
For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address: http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida
Spring Description
The authors did not see this spring, and wondered if the flow—which
is clearly from a spring—might actually be part of the springflow from
the nearby Blue Springs group. The mouth of the run is about 10 feet wide,
a few inches deep, and is obscured by overhanging branches. Water is a
few inches deep and clear. The shallow run ascends only about 50 feet before
reaching a low (3-4 feet) limestone bank. Water flows both from beneath
this bank and over it in a 3-foot cascade that is audible from Econfina
Creek. Behind the bank is an irregular pool perhaps 50 feet wide and extending
out of sight more than 150 feet away. The pool is also shallow, muddy,
and filled with aquatic vegetation and fallen trees.
The authors did not feel comfortable wading in the muddy pool, and so did not locate a spring.
Use/Access
The area around the run is managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management
District. Access is difficult, and waders would be recommended.
There is no apparent use of this pristine spot.
Personal Impressions
While not inviting, the site was very intriguing. The authors would
very much like to know if this flow is from the Blue Springs group or is
perhaps a separate spring.
Nearby Springs
Walsingham Spring, Unnamed Econfina Creek-bed Spring, Glowing Spring, Washington Blue Spring Group, Twin-run Grotto Springs Group, Williford Spring, Williford Run Spring, Gainer Springs Group, McCormick Springs Group, Pitt Spring, Sylvian (or Sullivan) Spring, Ponce de Leon Springs, Vortex Spring, Cypress Spring, Morrison Spring
Other Nearby Natural Features