Newport Spring
Wakulla County

Summary of Features

Scale—2nd magnitude 
Scenery—poor 
How Pristine?—remnant of manmade pool around spring; land cleared near spring, dam 
Swimming—fair 
Protection—little 
Crowds—busy on warm weekends 
Access—good 
Facilities—none 
Safety—fair-good 
Scuba—no 
Cost—free 

 
View of east end and flowpoint at bottom of bridge
Rope swing above spring

Directions
From downtown Tallahassee, go south on Monroe Street which becomes State Road 363 or Woodville Highway. Turn left on State Road 267. After four miles, turn left on U.S. 98. Turn left on dirt road just at Outz's Oyster Bar, just before the bridge over the St. Marks River. Spring is at small bridge 0.9 miles north.

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
Newport Spring emanates from beneath the bridge and flows 0.3 miles to the St. Marks River. The spring pool is formed by the remains of an old wooden dam and flume and is approximately 40 by 100 feet. Water depth is up to 5 feet.   The water is clear and has a pronounced sulfurous smell. A ramshackle house sits adjacent to the spring.

Use/Access
Used by local residents for swimming, wading, picnicking, and hanging out. A live oak hangs a huge limb out over the boil, with a rope for swinging out over the water. There is some trash in the water and on the banks.

Local Springiana

Personal Impressions
While a pretty little spot, the spring has only a small area that might be used for swimming and the land around it is has been clear-cut. The odor of the sulfur in the water takes some getting used to. JF’s children held their noses, complained loudly, and refused to get into the water when they visited. The site is popular with locals, who give strangers unfriendly looks. It is very difficult to conceive that this site was once a toney spa.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features
Wakulla Springs State Park
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Apalachicola National Forest
Wacissa River/Slave Canal
Econfina River State Park
Leon County Sinks Park