Scale - 3rd magnitude (est.) Scenery - Excellent-outstanding How Pristine? - completely pristine Swimming - no Protection - excellent Crowds - none Access - fair, canoe only Facilities - none Safety - very good Scuba - no Cost - free
Summary of Features
|
|
)
|
)
|
)
|
Quick Directions
About 1/3 mile upstream of Blue Springs on the left/west bank of Econfina
Creek.
Full Directions
As there is no general access to the nearby launch at Blue Springs, one
must put in at the Walsingham Bridge or at 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 spring is about 2.5 miles downstream of Walsingham Park, along the right (west) bank.
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 is a well-defined and prominent boil about 3 feet from the right
or west bank of Econfina Creek. The boil is circular, 3-4 feet in diameter,
and raised about 3 inches above the surface. The adjacent bank is 3-4
feet high, sheer, and edged with tree roots and cypress knees. Water
in the spring is very clear—in contrast to the amber-colored river—and flows
from a small limestone opening at a depth of 5 feet. The river is about
40 feet wide at this point.
On date and time of visit—noon in late September 2001—the spring was illuminated by a shaft of light that gave it the appearance of being lit from within or below. This striking glow evoked a spotlight and made the otherwise small spring visible from over 100 feet away. There are several very large trees growing near the spring and providing a thick canopy, including cypress, pine and magnolias.
Use/Access
Nearby Springs