Unnamed Econfina Creek-bed Spring*
Washington County
Summary of Features
  • Scale - 2nd magnitude (est.)
  • Scenery - excellent
  • How Pristine? - completely pristine
  • Swimming - poor
  • Protection - excellent
  • Crowds - none
  • Access - very good, boat only
  • Facilities - none, good at park ½ mile upriver
  • Safety - very good
  • Scuba - no
  • Cost - free
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    Bend of river and presumed spring site
    Quick Directions
    About 1/3 mile downstream of Walsingham Park in Washington County in the bed of Econfina Creek.

    Boils at presumed spring
    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

    Full Directions
    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 probable spring site is in the riverbed, just over a half mile below the Walsingham Bridge and shortly past where power wires cross the river.

    Spring Description
    This probable spring site is on a sharp river bend.  A submerged limestone shelf extends about 10 feet across the river from the west bank in the center of the bend (which is sharply to the left as one goes downstream).  A large submerged tree trunk is a few feet upriver of the limestone shelf and lies parallel to it, athwart the river.  There are prominent boils raised 1-2 inches above the common river surface and covering an area perhaps 10 feet across.  The water is clear to a depth of about 4 feet, and yellow-brown.  Water appears to flow from the bottom of the limestone shelf across the river toward the east bank where there is large sandy area.

    The authors were searching for a spring at this approximate location based on a line in Carter & Pearce stating the presence of “another spring that boils up in the river another half mile [below Walsingham Spring]” (1985, p. 56).  JF attempted to free-dive the site, but the powerful current, dark water, and sand particles prevented a definitive identification of a flow point at the base of the limestone shelf.  The water appeared to be about 8 feet deep at the base of the shelf.  The river is about 30 feet across at this point, and the general depth is about 4 feet.

    As with nearby Walsingham Spring, this site is characterized as a probable spring.  A vent was not seen, and turns in river can create surface disturbances that look just like spring boils.

    Use/Access

    Personal Impressions
    The site is very attractive and lively, with strong river and probable spring flow combining on a sharp bend of the river.  The sandbank on the east side provides a good spot for beaching picnicking, resting, and contemplating whether there is a spring flowing strongly 20 feet away.  The authors reached this spot in the morning when temperatures were cool, and JF did not want to paddle in cold wet clothing after diving into the possible spring.  So, he stripped and explored the spring au naturale, which ruined his paddling companion's experience at the site!

    Nearby Springs

    Other Nearby Natural Features