- Scale - 2nd
- Scenery - very good
- How Pristine? - near path, boat ramp, contains exotics, otherwise pristine
- Swimming - no
- Protection - fine
- Crowds - few
- Access - good to edge of spring
- Facilities - good
- Safety - fair to poor
- Scuba - no
- Cost - free
Summary of Features
|
|
| Quick Directions
South and east of the parking area at Rum Island County Park. From High Springs, drive NW on US 27/SR20 about four miles. Turn left (west) onto State Road 138 and drive about two miles to turnoff to the left (south) at sign for Rum Island. Follow dirt road about 1.5 miles to river. The spring is across from the east end of Rum Island. |
) |
) |
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 spring forms a circular pool with outlets on the west and south
sides. Land circles around the spring pool, which is about
75 feet wide. The main pool could not be entered because it was
filled with a fallen tree and exotic vegetation—elodea or
hydrilla or both. At the southwest end of the pool is a small
vent (2-3 feet in diameter) with a clear flow. There is a mild boil
over the vent. On dates of visit in 2000, there was a plank footbridge
next to the vent that provided a view. The opening
appeared to be about 6 feet deep. The area around the spring,
which opens directly into the river at the east end of Rum Island
can be swampy, full of poison ivy, and infested with fire ants.
On a visit in June 2002, the main pool was mostly clear and appeared
to have another flow point in the center of the pool. No
boil was visible, however, and canoe access to the spring was still
bolcked by the fallen tree.
Use/Access
The site may be reached by land or water. Canoe access can be
difficult due to exotic plants that choke the entrance. Land
access can be hindered by water when the river is high, and plagued
by fire ants in times of low water. There is no apparent
human use of the site. A pile of 10-15 apple snail shells suggested
a limkin had eaten there.
Local Springiana
The authors startled a 5-foot gator at the south entrance of the spring
pool near the vent on a visit in 2000. They did not see
the gator until they nearly canoed into it. It lurched and hissed,
and the authors backed off (after taking a photograph). In June
2002, JF again startled a gator and himself--probably the same gator--about
200 feet away in the duckweed and hydrilla fringing Rum Island.
Personal Impressions
Hundreds of people go right by this little spring each day without
knowing it is there. It is worth seeing to say you have seen it, but watch
out for dangerous flora and fauna. There might be another vent in the main
pool that could be visible in the winter when the plants die back.
Nearby Springs