Summary of Features   Scale -2nd magnitude Scenery -fine How Pristine? -near wooden platform and steps; small beach area, parking area Swimming -fine to excellent Protection -excellent Crowds -can be crowded on warm weekends Access -by canoe or car Facilities -fair (steps and parking) Safety -good Scuba -yes Cost -free

Directions

By canoe, the spring is about 45 minutes downriver from Madison Blue (see above for directions). By car, from I-10, go north (left) on exit 38 (County Road 255). Cross U.S. 90 at Lee and continue to State Road 6 (about 4 miles). Turn right and travel east for 5-6 miles, across the Withlacoochie River to County Road 143. Turn right and look for signs to the spring. Alternatively, one may put a canoe in at Madison Blue Spring and canoe downriver for approximately 35 minutes. Spring is on the left (east) bank adjacent to the river. Pot is a few minutes downstream of the unnamed seeps, cascades, and spring described above.

Spring Description

Located less than 10 minutes’ downstream of a group of seeps, springs, and cascades on the Withlacoochie River, Pot Spring is a circular basin that opens directly into the river on the east bank. Water flows strongly from a limestone cavity that was approximately 14 feet deep on the date of visit (river was low). The pool is approximately 30 feet across. The bottom of the pool is sandy, and the water is clear and blue when the river is low or at normal levels. A wooden platform is at the downstream end of the pool, with steps leading from it to a sand parking lot. Small fish inhabit the spring. The natural levee of the river rises on three sides of the spring to a height of 15-20 feet. The clear water of the spring contrasts the darker—sometimes much darker—water of the river.

Use/Access

• Directly across the river from the spring, on a bluff, is a rope spring. RB observed teenagers swimming across the river and swinging into the dark water.
• The steps seem to have been installed to help prevent erosion, which is evident at the spring.

Local Springiana

• The authors were told (by sources whose reliability was not necessarily unimpeachable) the spring’s name is derived from its popularity as place to smoke marijuana.

Personal Impressions

The spring is very attractive. The platform and boardwalk help prevent erosion and frame the site nicely.

Nearby Springs

• Madison Blue Spring
• Tanner Spring
• Morgan Spring
• Unnamed seeps, springs, and cascades