The Santa Fe River (Spanish for "Holy Faith") begins at Santa Fe Lake and Little Santa Fe Lake in NE Alachua County.  Flowing for about 50 miles, it serves as the northern boundary for Alachua and Gilchrist Counties.  Hernando DeSoto explored the river in 1539.  According to A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to the Streams of Florida (Carter & Pearce, 1993, p. 134), the river is too shallow, obstructed, or swampy for good paddling until it crosses State Road 241.  From there one can paddle about 5 miles to O’Leno State Park.

Within the state park, the river goes underground to pass through the Cody Scarp (or escarpment), an ancient coast line that divides the Gulf Coast Lowlands from what is optimistically called Florida’s "Northern Highlands" (SRWMD, n.d.).  After flowing underground for three miles, the river rises again just north of High Springs.  Under new definitions, this river rise is considered a spring, adding another substantial first magnitude spring to the currently recognized total of 33.  Alapaha Rise and Holton Creek Rise are similar hydrologic occurrences.

From the River Rise to its conjunction with the Suwannee River, the Santa Fe may be paddled by even the novice canoer.  Its width averages about 100 feet, and there are no major obstructions or shoals.  In times of low water, rocks, fallen trees, and aquatic vegetation can pose a hazard to boat motors.  The current is mild except in times of flood, and there are about a dozen public or fee-for-use boat ramps on the north and south banks.  Water in the river can vary from clear to dark, but is generally clearer in the lower stretches due to the influx of spring water.  The river water is dark in times of flood and after heavy rains.

Most boaters enter the river at the U.S. 41/441, U.S. 27, or SR 47 bridges or at Rum Island.  The stretch from the U.S. 41/441 bridge to the Suwannee River is about 28 miles, with the ten-mile stretch from U.S. 27 to SR 47 being the most popular.  In general, the river passes through forested lowland, with occasional floodplains and swampy areas.  Banks are moderate and rise to about 15 feet in times of normal river flows.  There are public parks on both sides of the river, and major campgrounds at Blue and Ginnie Springs in the upper section and at Sandy Point and Elly Ray’s in the lower section.

Below the State Road 47 bridge, there is more development, and a couple of springs are in the back yards of houses along the river.  Even so, there are still extended stretches that are in a natural state.  Below Wilson Springs, there are a couple of dramatic bends in the river that include some choppy water and even shoals and rapids during times of low water.  A major marker in the lower part of the Santa Fe is the confluence with the Ichetucknee River.  Under normal conditions, there is a dramatic difference in the clarity of the two rivers, with the Ichetucknee being much clearer. During the historic drought of 1998-2001, the Santa Fe was much clearer than usual and sometimes nearly as transparent as the Ichetucknee.

Springs, siphons, and abundant wildlife are defining features of the Santa Fe.  Sixty springs have been classified and measured below Worthington Springs, and another 8 named springs feed the Santa Fe from the Ichetucknee River.  The springs range dramatically in size, appearance, flow, and potential for swimming and diving.  In this short stretch, however, lie 8 first-magnitude, and 25 second-magnitude springs (Hornsby & Ceryak, 1998).

Most of the larger springs are clear and accessible to the canoer, snorkeler, or wader.  Among the many that may be dived, the Devil’s Complex Cave System at Ginnie Springs, a private campground, is an internationally known dive mecca.  Fissures and shafts are common spring-vent types.  The majority of the springs lie alongside the river or just off the river at the head of short runs.  Some, including first magnitude springs, are in the river and more difficult to spot.  A few others lie well off the river in runs that may or may not be paddled because of obstructions, shallow water, or because they are on private property.  Water in these springs averages about 72 degrees year round.

Because of the unique combination of springs, interconnected springs, and siphons along the Santa Fe, it is likely that at least some of the water in the river sinks and rises several times in the course of its run to the Suwannee River.  For the spring aficionado, the Santa Fe is superceded only by the Suwannee.  However, springs are more clustered along the Santa Fe, and the river is more attractive and manageable for visitors in canoes or small boats.

Poe Springs County Park, Ginnie Springs, and Blue Springs all require a fee (currently $4-$10 per person) to make landfall.  At Blue Springs, a fence actually blocks boat access to the main spring and some of the smaller springs on the property.  That one spring excepted, however, one may enter spring runs and the springs themselves from the river as long as no landfall is made.  At Lily Springs, polite visitors are welcomed by Ed the Hermit, who lives in a wood and palm-frond hut and is caretaker of the property surrounding the spring.  Ed, a fixture at the spring since the mid-1980s, wears only a loincloth, and the owners of nearby Pickard Spring often wear less than that.  There are canoe livery companies in High Springs to cater to people who wish to canoe the river.  Outfitters include Adventure Outpost, phone (386) 454-0611, web site:  http://www.adventureoutpost.net.

Most of the Florida’s major siphons also lie along the Santa Fe.  Like springs in reverse, siphons are locations where quantities of water flow directly from the surface back underground into the aquifer.  The six identified siphons along the Santa Fe drain an estimated total of 337 million gallons of water each day (Hornsby & Ceryak, 1998).  With siphon names like Big Awesome Suck and Little Awesome Suck, the siphons range from undramatic pools with gentle swirls to powerful--even dangerous--vortexes that drain as dramatically as a flushing toilet that is 15 feet across.

For precise GPS coordinates of the springs and siphons on the Santa Fe, obtain a copy of Springs of the Suwannee River Basin in Florida, which is published by the Suwannee River Water Management District, Department of Water Resources, 9225 County Road 49, Live Oak, FL 386-361-1001 or toll-free (in Florida) 800-226-1066.

Much of the land along the river is managed and protected by the Suwannee River Water Management District.  Because of this protection, canoers will see an abundance of wildlife, particular in the upper sections.  Turtles of all stripes bask on logs and often allow very close approach.  All major types of heron and egret will be seen on most days, and owls, hawks, osprey, limkin, and ibis are also common.  Alligators are less frequent, but have been seen by the authors even in areas that are used heavily for recreation.  Otters, feral hogs, deer, beavers, raccoons, and armadillos may also be spotted in quiet spots, especially in the mornings and evenings.

In all, the Santa Fe is perhaps the best little stretch in the world for seeing springs.  One can see over 30 springs in a one-day paddle.

On a related note, recent research had shed additional light on the underground flow of the Santa Fe River.  Heck et al., reported on exploration of nearly 50,000 feet of previously unexplored cave passages that began in 1995.  The outflow at the Santa Fe River rise is significantly larger than the amount that goes underground where the river sinks at O'Leno State Park.  Divers and researchers found a series of sinkholes (11 so far) that feed the sub-surface river.  The divers also removed an extensive amount of garbage from the sinkholes, including a Harley Davidson motorcycle (in Abstracts of . . . 2003, pp. 22-23).
 
 

          A. North of High Springs
               Worthington Spring
               Santa Fe Rise
               Treehouse Spring (ALA112971)
               Hornsby Spring
               COL428981
               Darby
               Columbia

          B.  U.S. 27 to State Road 47
                    An Essay on the Santa Fe River Between U.S. 27 and S.R. 47
               ALA930972
               ALA930971 (Alcove and Log) Spring
               Allen Spring (or COL428982)
               Poe Springs
               COL930971
               Lily Springs
               COL101971
               Pickard Spring
               Jonathan Spring (or COL101972)
               COL101974 (at Rum Island)
               COL101975 (at Rum Island)
               Rum Island Spring
               GIL101971
               Naked Spring
               Johnson Spring
               Blue Spring
               Little Blue Spring
               Little Devil Spring
               Devil's Eye Spring
               Devil's Ear Spring
               July Spring
               Ginnie Spring
               Dogwood Spring
               Twin Spring
               Sawdust Spring
               Deer Spring
               Unnamed Spring
               COL1012972
               COL1012971
                Big Awesome Siphon
                Little Awesome Siphon
               Siphon Creek Rise Spring (GIL1012973)
               Myrtle's Fissure
               GIL1012971
               GIL1012972
               47 Boatramp Spring

          C.  State Road 47 to the Suwannee River
               GIL928971
               Cedar Spring
               GIL928972
               COL928971
               Wilson Springs
               GIL99974
               Unnamed Spring
               Unnamed Possible Spring
               COL917971
               Sunbeam Spring
               Oasis Spring
               SUW917971
               GIL99972
               GIL99971
               Betty Spring
               GIL729972 (or GIL729973)
               GIL917971
               SUW917972
               Campground Spring
               Trail/Pleasant Grove Spring
               SUW107971
               GIL107971
               GIL729971
 
 

A.  Santa Fe River, North of High Springs

Summary of Features
Scale—4^th magnitude
Scenery—fair
How Pristine?—overgrown concrete structure around spring
Swimming—no
Protection—none
Crowds—none
Access—very good
Facilities—none
Safety—good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
From the junction of State Roads 121 and 18 in the town of Worthington Springs, drive south about 0.4 miles and turn right onto poorly maintained dirt road that leads down to the river before the bridge over the Santa Fe. Park at the bottom and look to the right for the remnants of the enclosure around the 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

Spring Description
The spring is in a low and damp wooded area near the north bank of the river. The area is subject to flooding when the Santa Fe River is high. The spring is surrounded by the crumbling remains of a concrete pool enclosure that rises up to 20 feet from the ground. The pool was once filled with water from the spring that was enclosed by an adjacent 12-foot-square concrete wall at the east end of the pool. The enclosure is overgrown with foliage. The pool walls are crumbling, and the nearly imperceptible flow from the spring piddles through a hole in the wall into the river at the east end.

Use/Access

• There is no current use of the pool, which was already long-abandoned when visited by Rosenau et al. (1977, p. 391) in 1972. The ruin of the concrete swimming enclosure is all that remains of a hotel, recreation hall, and bathhouse.
• A marker at the turnoff from SR 121 has information and photographs of the old pool when the spring was the social centerpiece of the town that carries its name.

Nearby Springs
Santa Fe River Rise Spring

Other Nearby Natural Features

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude
Scenery—very good
How Pristine?—trails around spring, fairly pristine
Swimming—fair
Protection—excellent
Crowds—none to small
Access—can be difficult by water
Facilities—none
Safey—good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
By land:  Go north from High Springs on U.S. 27 about three miles. Cross the Santa Fe River and pass turnoff to boat ramp.  Look for entrance to River Rise State Preserve on the right in the next quarter mile.  Use map in State Preserve to walk to river rise.
By water:  From downtown High Springs drive about two miles north on U.S. 41/441 to bridge over the Santa Fe.  The boat ramp to the river is on the NW side of the bridge.  Put in and go two miles to river rise.

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 Santa Fe River rises and forms a horseshoe approximately 200 feet in diameter.  The large upwelling is visible in wide slicks on the surface. The water is tannin colored, and the depth of the vent cannot be determined visually.  According to Hornsby & Ceryak (1998, p. 27), the pool is 61 feet deep.  According to Scott et al., water flows up from beneath a limestone ledge at the NE side of the pool (2002, p. 51).  Land around the spring is hardwood forest and contains several trails and some small cleared areas.  Little aquatic vegetation is visible in the pool, except for duckweed.  The run below the pool was thick with vegetation, making passage by canoe challenging.

Use/Access
The river rise may be accessed by either land or water, although the authors have not been to the site from the land.  People appear to picnic on the banks above the river.  The site has few visitors.

Local Springiana
The land between where the river sinks and rises is a natural bridge that has been used for millennia by animals and people.  Because the area is in state hands, hunting for and removing artifacts is prohibited.

Personal Impressions
The authors, lacking any scientific standing or knowledge, do not consider this river upwelling to be a "true" spring, for its water is not clear and has not been filtered like that of other springs.

Nearby Springs

• Worthington Spring
• Treehouse Spring
• Hornsby Spring
• Darby Spring
• Columbia Spring
• COL428981

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude
Scenery—very good
How Pristine?—completely pristine
Swimming—fair
Protection—excellent
Crowds—none
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
From downtown High Springs drive about two miles north on U.S. 41/441 to bridge over the Santa Fe.  The boat ramp to the river is on the NW side of the bridge.  Put in and go upriver about 2/3 mile.  Look for a circular cove on the right, created by the 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

Spring Description
The large first-magnitude spring, with an estimated flow of nearly 260 MGD, was not formally classified as a spring or measured until 1997 by Hornsby & Ceryak (1998, p. 20).  It is, however, one of Florida’s largest individual springs.  Water flows up in wide slicks from a depth measured at 44 feet.  The spring pool is oval and was about 150 by 200 feet in diameter on date of visit (April 2000), a time of drought.  On this date, water in the Santa Fe River was quite clear, but the water in the spring was not clear enough to see the bottom or any limestone formations.  The authors speculated the flow might be an additional portion of the Santa Fe River Rise a short distance upriver.  The land surrounding the spring sloped upward about eight feet into low rolling hills of hardwood and floodplain forest.

Use/Access

• No apparent use. The water did not invite swimming.  The Hornsby Spring run is 150-200 yards inland from the back of the spring run and easy to spot due to its long low natural bank.
• The land around the spring was not posted; according to Scott et al., the land around the spring is private property (2002, p. 54), although it appears to be in the river floodplain.

Nearby Springs

• Santa Fe River Rise
• COL428981
• Hornsby Spring
• Darby Spring
• Columbia Spring

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—boardwalk and swim/recreation area around spring, float in water, land above spring is cleared and park- or campus-like
Swimming—excellent
Protection—excellent
Crowds—can be heavy
Access—private, access must be arranged
Facilities—outstanding
Safety—excellent
Scuba—only with special permission
Cost—varies

Directions
From downtown High Springs, drive about 1 mile on U.S. 41/441 to entrance to (and sign for) Camp Kulaqua on the right. Follow dirt road about 1.5 miles to Camp Kulaqua grounds and the spring. There are signs in the Camp.

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 pool is about 150 feet wide and 150 feet long before narrowing into a run that flows about 0.8 mile to join the Santa Fe River a short distance above the U.S. 41/441 bridge.  The water is clear and blue and flows from under a long (50 feet) limestone ledge.  The ledge is 15-20 feet deep, and a lifeguard at the spring said the bottom was more than 40 feet deep.  The spring run can be paddled in times of normal to high water on the river, but can also be obstructed. The run flows through a bottom-land floodplain area with hardwoods.   There are small springs in the run.  Land above the spring rises perhaps 18 feet in a park-like setting withlarge hardwood trees and buildings associated with Camp Kulaqua.  There are boardwalks and swimming facilities (dive board, lifeguard chair, large flotation device) at and in the spring.

Use/Access

• The spring is part of Camp Kulaqua, a church-owned facility used for summer camps, retreats, meetings, and conferences. It has full lodging, dining, and worship facilities as well as stables, trails, swimming, a zoo, and a small nature museum with displays and small animals in tanks.  Visitors to the spring may be surprised to hear the roar of lions.
• The float in the pool is like that in Camp Indian Springs in Wakulla County—a long inflatable tube.  Bathers jump onto the tube, crawl out to the end, and are then catapulted into the water by the next person who jumps onto the tube.
• The swim area has a lifeguard.

Local Springiana

• Bones from large Pleistocene-era animals have been found in the spring, including a mastodon bone imbedded with the head of a spear and dated to 12,000 years ago (Adventure Outpost, n.d.).
• The levels of pollutants and nutrients in the spring have risen significantly since the site was tested in 1972 (Scott et al., 2002, p. 25).

• Darby Spring
• Columbia Spring
• COL428981
• Treehouse Spring
• Santa Fe River Rise Spring

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude to dry
Scenery—very good
How Pristine?—very pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—private
Crowds—none
Access—private
Scuba—no

Directions
From downtown High Springs, drive about two miles north on U.S. 41/441 to bridge over the Santa Fe.  The boat ramp to the river is on the NW side of the bridge.  Put in and go upriver about 1/2 mile.  Look for a small (3-5 feet) opening in the bank on the left that is the mouth of the 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

Spring Description
The spring lies just behind the 4-6 foot bank of the Santa Fe River. On date of visit (April 2000), a time of drought, the spring contained water but was not flowing.  The circular pool was 45 feet across and covered in duckweed. Hornsby & Ceryak (1998) describe the spring pool as "100 feet wide with a maximum depth of 15 feet and the run is approximately 15 feet long" (p. 35).  They measured a flow of 1.54 MGD on April 28, 1998 (p. 35). In times of high water on the river, the spring would be flooded and would perhaps reverse.

Use/Access
No apparent use. The spring is on private property.

Personal Impressions
Except in times of high water (when dark water would prevent a good look at the spring anyway), the spring cannot be canoed or otherwise entered by boat.

Nearby Springs

• Darby Spring
• Columbia Spring
• Hornsby Spring
• Treehouse Spring
• Santa Fe River Rise Spring

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—fair
How Pristine?—exotics in water, dock adjacent to spring, cleared land and highway nearby
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—adjacent to private land
Access—very good
Facilities—none
Safety—unknown
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
From downtown High Springs drive about two miles north on U.S. 41/441 to bridge over the Santa Fe.  The boat ramp to the river is on the NW side of the bridge.  Put in and go upriver about 100 yards to spring run on the right.  Look for small dock.

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 lies in a pool that is just above where the 0.8 mile run from Hornsby Spring joins the Santa Fe River.  On date of visit (April 2000), the water was completely covered in exotic aquatic vegetation and clogged to the point that it could not be canoed.  The vent from the spring, measured by Hornsby & Ceryak at 9.6 MGD from a vent ten feet deep (1998, p. 21), was not visible.  Land rose up above the spring and was cleared and grassy.

Use/Access
The land around the pool is private and posted. A swinging bench is built into a small platform above the small dock near the spring.

Personal Impressions
The clogged spring was unappealing and a disappointment—the legacy of invasive exotics.

Nearby Springs

• COL428981
• Columbia Spring
• Hornsby Spring
• Treehouse Spring
• Santa Fe River Rise Spring

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude
Scenery—fine to excellent
How Pristine?—very pristine, near highway
Swimming—poor
Protection—unknown/private
Crowds—none
Access—very good, water only
Facilities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—unknown
Cost—free

Directions
From downtown High Springs drive about two miles north on U.S. 41/441 to bridge over the Santa Fe.  The boat ramp to the river is on the NW side of the bridge.  Put in and go downriver about 1/5 mile to the spring run on the right.

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 semi-circular pool over 150 feet wide with a run of nearly equal width that flows about 500 feet to the Santa Fe River.  Water was flowing strongly from the spring on date of visit, forming a large boil area.  The water was not very clear and may include non-filtered water from the main river as well as "spring" water.  Limestone was visible on the bottom in the shallow areas, and some algae is evident.  The land around the spring is low, swampy, and heavily forested.  There is a house on land above the spring to the east.

According to Carter & Pearce (1985, p. 139) a large sink in the bed of the Santa Fe River just outside of the Columbia Spring run swallows part of the river.  The water rises again a few hundred yards downstream.

Use/Access

• No landfall can be made on the private property surrounding the spring, but it is only a five-minute paddle from the U.S. 41/441 bridge and even less from the canoe livery at the bridge’s SW end.
• In time of low water, paddling upriver can be difficult due to shoals and aquatic vegetation.
• During the 1920s and ‘30s, there was a hotel directly across the Santa Fe River from Columbia Spring on the Alachua County side (Hornsby & Ceryak, 1998, p. 26).

Nearby Springs

• COL428981
• Darby Spring
• Hornsby Spring
• Treehouse Spring
• Santa Fe River Rise Spring

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

An Essay on the Santa Fe River Between U.S. 27 and S.R. 47
Arching over Gainesville and Alachua County like a bad toupee, the Santa Fe River flows from Santa Fe Lakes for 50 miles before joining the Suwannee River south of Branford. At one point, it dips underground for three miles before rising. Fed by the Ichetucknee River and 60 other springs, the Santa Fe widens, deepens, and becomes clearer as it goes. It passes through a variety of plant communities and is a rich and increasingly vital haven for wildlife.

There are three or four sections of the river that make excellent paddling, but one section stands heads above the rest. This liquid strip, 100 feet wide and 10 miles long, is one of the most amazing and entertaining places in Florida. Canoeing is the best means of travel due to shoals, shallow water, and aquatic vegetation, but a small boat with a tilt motor would also work.

The put-in is at the U.S. 27 bridge near High Springs. There are canoe liveries in town if you don’t have a canoe or don’t want to take two cars. The springs begin immediately; there is one just upriver and opposite the boat ramp. Water boils up at the rate of about 50M gallons/day, but you’ll miss it if you don’t look carefully in the tannin-colored water. Heading downstream, there are occasional houses, and the banks range from 10-15 feet. Soon, however, the land levels out and swamp and flood-plain forest bracket the river. Large cypress, oak, maple, and many lowland hardwoods provide a tranquil and wild setting.

Turtles are everywhere.  Cooters, stinkpots, chicken turtles, and sliders of all sizes bask in the sun and allow quiet approaches to within 10 feet. You could easily see 100 in a day.  And waterfowl!  On our last visit we spotted not only the usual suspects—great and little blues; great, reddish, snow, and cattle egrets; greenback and tri-color herons; bit also ibis, limkin, yellow- and black-crowned night herons, as well as predatory hawks, owls, and osprey.  The increasingly rare limkin thrives on apple snails, which have disappeared from many sites in Florida.  The suspected culprit is rising nitrate levels from fertilizer runoff.  The snail eggs and limkin were still abundant on the Santa Fe in June 2002.  The sharp-eyed observer will also see snakes curled in the trees and roots along the river.

After 30 minutes, the springs really get popping, and it seems like there is a pull-off at almost every riverbend. As the Tramps say in their immortal classic, "Disco Inferno," "satisfaction came in a chain reaction."  The springs along here take two general forms—fissures and shafts.  The more common fissures are cracks in the aquifer below the surface. The springs range in size from a few feet to monsters 60 feet deep and 100 feet long and issuing up to 400 million gallons a day.  Most of the springs are swimmable, and we dipped into 10 of them on our last trip.

Poe Springs is unmistakable on the left about an hour downriver.  It is a county park, and you cannot make landfall without paying a fee.  However, you may walk up the clear run to the springhead. It is a wide funnel-shaped basin, and water flows powerfully from several crevasses about 20 below the surface.  After Poe, the PG-rated springs are next. Lily and Pickard both have caretakers with somewhat indifferent attitudes about clothing.

Lily is in a little cove occupied by Ed the Hermit.  Ed lives in a wood-and-grass hut on stilts, and wears only a loincloth.  My daughter, who was 12 when she visited, noticed that it is a furry loincloth.  Ed is somewhat wooly himself, but is very friendly despite his hand-painted sign saying unaccompanied children will be fed to the alligators.  A half-dozen springs flow from beneath his dock—not a bad set-up.  Pickard is 100 yards downriver, and its owners are fond of skinny-dipping.  You’ve been warned.

There is a boatramp a little further downriver at Rum Island.  It has several large and small springs as well as a boat ramp and picnic areas (and lots of fire ants).  We startled a good-sized gator guarding one of the Rum Island springs, and it didn’t have any clothing on, either.

My daughter’s favorite spring was next.  The Blue Springs Campground is a full-facility campground with four springs and a 100-yard boardwalk along its spring run to the river.  Access is not permitted without paying, but we threaded our canoe under the boardwalk and up one of its runs to Naked Spring.  This secluded and canopied spot offers a lovely swimming hole and two springs.

The Ginnie Springs group is next with its ten springs including the picturesque Devil’s Eye, a 30-foot shaft leading to an underwater tunnel.  Ginnie is a major dive spot featuring a camp store and full facilities.  One can camp along the river as well as alongside several springs.

After Ginnie, traffic on the river ceases.  In this last stretch, if you look carefully and are willing to paddle into side channels, you’ll observe a rare phenomenon—springs in reverse.  Called siphons, these are places where water flows out of the river and back into the aquifer.  One siphon along the riverbank was draining the river dramatically, with a powerful whirlpool 25 feet across and a spinning clump of eel grass and hydrillathree feet across looking like a green tornado.  The two best-known examples are "Big Awesome Suck" and "Little Awesome Suck," and the sihpons drain up to 150 million gallons a day each from the river.
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—good
How Pristine?—very pristine, near boat ramp and cleared areas
Swimming—fair, fine snorkeling
Protection—excellent
Crowds—can be crowded at nearby boat ramp
Access—fine, water only
Facilities—fair
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
From downtown High Springs, drive northwest on U.S. 27/SR 20 about 2.5 miles to where the highway crosses the Santa Fe River.  A launch ramp and parking area are just past the river on the right (north) side of the road.  Launch upriver (to the left or north).  The spring lies in the river about 150 feet from the boat ramp, near the north bank, about 15 feet from shore and nearly underneath the limbs of an oak tree.

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 flows from a crack in the limestone that was about 12 feet deep on dates of visit in 2000.  It creates a strong flow toward the middle of the river and forms a large slick. On dates of visit, the springflow was only slightly clearer than the surrounding river, and glare made it difficult to see the vent.  When visited June 1, 2002, the water was green and stagnant looking, and there was no boil.

Use/Access
Swimming in the spring is possible and safe, but somewhat awkward because of a lack of nearby footholds and because the water is not very clear.

Personal Impressions

• It is likely that only a few of the thousands of people who put in at the boat ramp nearby know of the existence of this large, second-magnitude spring just feet away.

• Columbia Spring
• COL428981
• Allen Spring
• Poe Springs
• Darby Spring
• Hornsby Spring
• Santa Fe River Rise Spring
• ALA930971
• ALA930972

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—completely pristine
Swimming—fair, good snorkeling
Protection—unknown
Crowds—none
Access—very good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Quick Directions
About a half-mile downriver from the put-in at the U.S. 27 bridge over the Santa Fe River in an alcove on the left.

Full Directions
From downtown High Springs, drive northwest on U.S. 27/SR 20 about 2.5 miles to where the highway crosses the Santa Fe River.  A launch ramp and parking area are just past the river on the right (north) side of the road.  The spring is about half a mile downriver from the boatramp on the left.  Look for a small island in the river on the right and a circular widening of the river on the left.

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 in the back left corner of the widening area a few feet from the main channel.  When visited in 2000, it was framed by fallen trees that lay between it and the river.  Water flows from a circular cavity 8-10 feet deep. A log lay across the vent, splitting its flow and causing slicks over an area perhaps 20 feet across.  The water was very clear.  Native and exotic vegetation surround the spring, including rotting mats of algae.  The spring silted easily when explored and was slow to clear.  On June 1, 2002, two flows were clearly visible, about 15 feet apart and each with a clear boil on the surface that was 2-5 feet in diameter.

Use/Access
The larger spring cavity can be skin-dived with relative ease, but is quick to cloud.

Personal Impressions
A lovely little spring that is a refreshing dip after canoeing for a while on a warm day.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring
• COL428981
• Allen Spring
• Poe Springs
• Darby Spring
• Hornsby Spring

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—completely pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown/private property
Crowds—none
Access—arduous to good
Facilities—none
Safety—good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Quick Directions
About 1.5 miles below the put-in at the U.S. 27 bridge on the right in the NE end of a widening of the river.

Full Directions
From downtown High Springs, drive northwest on U.S. 27/SR 20 about 2.5 miles to where the highway crosses the Santa Fe River.  A launch ramp and parking area are just past the river on the right (north) side of the road.  After about a mile and a half from the 27 bridge, there are houses perched on the left bank, some with rock "retaining walls."  In the middle of the river is an island, with trees and large rocks, long and narrow.  On the right side of the river is what looks like a slough or tributary.  Go into this opening, right across from the upriver edge of the island, and head upstream in the narrow channel on the right—this is the short run from Allen 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

Spring Description
Allen is a narrow fissure paralleling the main river.  The crevice in the rock drops to a depth of about 20 feet, and the pool was 15 feet wide on dates of visit in 2000, a time of low water.  The water was clear, but the shallow rocky surface was covered with muck.  As you stand on the edge of the crack, your feet may sink into mud.  The spring and run are canopied, and the algae on the rocks appears almost fluorescent.  Land around the spring is thick floodplain hardwood forest.  On date of visit in June 2002, the entire area around Allen was choked with exotic water lettuce that effectively blocked access by canoe.

Use/Access
On private property, the spring is difficult to enter in times of low water and the canoe must be dragged in.  Access is easier in higher water.  The surrounding area is low and mucky.

Personal Impressions
A narrow fissure spring common along this stretch of the Santa Fe, Allen is very natural and unspoiled, although not as large or attractive as some others downriver.

Nearby Springs
Columbia Spring, COL428981, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, COL930971

Other Nearby Natural Features

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—retaining wall, beach area, walkway along spring and run, developed swim/recreation area
Swimming—outstanding
Protection—excellent
Crowds—heavy on warm weekends
Access—Fine, land or water
Facilities—Excellent
Safety—Fine
Scuba—yes
Cost—$4 per person to swim

Directions
By Land: From High Springs, drive south on US 41/27 about one mile. Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and proceed about 2.5 miles to entrance to Poe Springs County Park. Follow signs to the spring, which is a ¼ mile walk from the parking area.

By Water: From downtown High Springs, drive northwest on U.S. 27/SR 20 about 2.5 miles to where the highway crosses the Santa Fe River. A launch ramp and parking area are just past the river on the right (north) side of the road. Canoe about 1.75 miles downstream to Poe Springs County Park on the left. Look for picnic enclosures and a sign for the park. Alternatively, put in at the boat ramp in Poe Spring County Park and go upriver about 1/3 mile to the 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

Spring Description
Flow from at least three vents creates a circular pool that is about 80 feet in diameter, and about 18 feet deep at the deepest (and most powerful) vent.  Water flows from limestone openings.  The main opening is several feet across and large enough to admit a diver.  The pool bottom is sandy, and water is very clear with a tint that varies from blue to green depending on conditions.  The flow creates a shallow run (2-4 feet deep) that flows about 200 feet and which is about 40 feet wide.  A
retaining wall has been constructed on the north end of the spring, with an artificial beach and concrete steps leading to the water.  The south end of the spring is swampy forest.

Rosenau et al., 1977 note there are several seeps and small springs in the vicinity of Poe (p. 63).  One such spring is located 250 feet downstream of where the Poe Spring run enters the Santa Fe River, also on the south bank of the Santa Fe.  The spring is adjacent to the bank and consists of three small flows from openings in small (1-2 feet in diameter) limestone boulders at a depth of about 18 inches.  Each vent creates a small slick, and the three vents are in an area perhaps 6 feet in diameter.  The water is clear, but the bottom and limestone are covered in dark algae and other plant growth, and the openings were not visible.  The springs were about 10 feet from the bank, which rises a few feet in an area of hardwood forest.  Wes Skiles told JF that there is another small spring just in from the riverbank below the mouth of the Poe run.  This spring flows back away from the river and empties into the run.

Use/Access

• Poe is only a couple of hundred yards downriver from Allen Spring.
• The spring is good for wading.
• The spring area has picnic facilities.
• Signs on the bank, directed at canoeists and boaters, say "$4 Entry Fee," so be prepared to pay if you set foot ashore.
• A rope blocks across the mouth of the spring run blocks access to the spring.
• The park has pay areas, a concession stand, ample parking, ball fields, meeting facilities, a dock, and a boat ramp.

Personal Impressions
When JF first visited Poe in 1996, he was struck by the "deadness" of the site. Whereas most springs are teeming with flora and fauna, Poe had no fish and its bottom was choked with dead, black, rotting roots and other vegetative debris and detritus.  Most of this material was gone when the spring was visited again in April and July, 2000, but there was little evidence of flora or fauna in the water.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, Santa Fe Spring, ALA930971, COL930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Spring, COL101971, Jonathan Spring, Rum Island Springs, Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—Fine-excellent
How Pristine?—completely pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown—private
Crowds—none
Access—none/private

Directions
Lying between Poe and Lily Springs on the Columbia (north) side of the Santa Fe River.  The spring is about 1/3 mile below the boat ramp at Poe Springs and about 300 yards upriver of Lily Springs.  It is also about half a mile upriver from the boat ramp at Rum Island.

Directions to ramp at Poe Springs: From High Springs, drive south on US 41/27 about one mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and proceed about 2.5 miles to entrance to Poe Springs County Park.

Directions to ramp at Rum Island: 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 and ramp.

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 lies at the head of a ¼ mile run that empties into the Santa Fe River. At the mouth of the run, the spring flow is in the opposite direction of the river. The run is narrow (10-15 feet), shallow, contains many turns, and is obstructed by fallen tree trunks and cypress knees.  The land about the run and spring is private property, and the spring itself was not visited.  Boaters who passed by the authors at the mouth of the run in 2001 said they has seen the spring and that if was a small-to-medium-sized pool with blue water.

Use/Access

• Because it is on private property, the spring is not accessible.
• Two boaters fishing at the mouth of the run described the spring as being "small," and not as large as nearby Lily, Pickard, or Poe Springs.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Spring, COL101971, Jonathan Spring, Rum Island Springs, GIL101971, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs Group

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—hut, small docks, small beach, camp area around spring and run
Swimming—fair-good
Protection—fine
Crowds—small
Access—very good, boat only
Facilities—fair
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
¾ mile downstream from Poe Springs and ½ mile upstream of Rum Island Springs on the Gilchrist (south) side of the river.  A large sign on a tree at the mouth of the spring run says, "Lily Springs."

Directions to ramp at Poe Springs: From High Springs, drive south on US 41/27 about one mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and proceed about 2.5 miles to entrance to Poe Springs County Park.

Directions to ramp at Rum Island: 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 and ramp.

SFor 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

pring Description
Lily is a compact spring complex of 5-7 springs, depending on how they are counted.  The springs lie at the head of a winding and canopied 175-foot run that is 20-30 feet wide and 3-8 feet deep.  The spring pool is oval and about 100 by 50 feet.  The springs lie throughout the pool.  One is under a cypress tree on the SE end of the pool, forming a fissure beneath the south bank with several vents.  Several of the vents are likely connected to a single flow source due to their proximity to each other.  Another limestone opening is just in front of the private wooden dock in the center of the pool.  Two more vents are beyond the dock in the basin, including one near a small shore area at the west end of the pool.  In times of normal water levels, depths in the pool range from 4’-10’.  Banks about the pool are a few feet above the water.  The water is clear, and boils are evident.  Fish, crawfish, and turtles are evident in the spring and spring pool.  The water over the vents can be blue or green depending on conditions.

Use/Access

• The spring may be accessed freely from the river, and the area forms an attractive swimming hole.
• The land around the pool is privately owned and is used as a primitive camping area.  The run forms a peninsula between the spring and the river on the north side, and on this peninsula is a hut on stilts occupied the caretaker of the property.  With permission, visitors may beach canoes, camp, and have a look at the hut.
• It is possible to swim through a short tunnel along the vent by the south bank of the spring pool.

Ed responds to courteous visitors in kind, engaging in conversation and inviting them to dive from his dock and inspect his abode.  Signs tacked onto trees in the run, including "Man is the most dangerous animal," and "Unattended children will be fed to alligators," suggest an interest in conservation and add to the ambiance of the place.

Ed's hut sits on stilts about 6 feet or so above the ground, facing toward the spring.  The sides and roof are thatched with palm fronds.  In front is a porch from which Ed can survey his spring and the canoeists who paddle in. Ed relates that the spring area was trashed when he moved in, but he has transformed it into something out of Swiss Family Robinson.

In a 1999 visit, RB observed a pile of large animal bones by a tree near the porch.  A nearby skull looked too big to be human and was perhaps from a gorilla or other large ape.  The polite visitor does not ask too many questions.

Personal Impressions
RB felt somewhat envious of Ed and his little paradise. It also occurred to RB that in spite of Ed’s being a "hermit," he might actually talk to more people than most of us.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, COL930971, Pickard Spring, COL101971, Jonathan Spring, Rum Island Springs, GIL101971, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs Group

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—very good
How Pristine?—dock around spring
Swimming—private
Protection—unknown, private
Access—boat only
Facilities—none

Quick Directions
Almost immediately after Lily Springs and on the same bank.

Full Directions
0.8 miles downstream from Poe Springs and 0.4 mile upstream of Rum Island Springs on the Gilchrist (south) side of the river.  A sign on a tree at the mouth of the spring says, "Pickard Spring."

Directions to ramp at Poe Springs: From High Springs, drive south on US 41/27 about one mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and proceed about 2.5 miles to entrance to Poe Springs County Park.

Directions to ramp at Rum Island: 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 and ramp.

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 pool abuts the river, but is separated from it by a line of cypress trees and a boardwalk and dock extending from the north bank to the pool.  The pool is roughly circular and about 50 feet in diameter.  There are two flow areas.  The larger is a limestone opening several feet across at a depth of about 10 feet near the center of the pool and underneath a cypress tree outfitted with a rope swing and dive platform.  The other vent is similar but smaller and is in the back end of the pool.  It is also about 10 feet deep, and both springs create visible boils on the surface.  A deck and boardwalk leads from the spring back through the floodplain and to a house.

Use/Access

• Pickard is no more than 100 yards downriver from Lily.
• Because the spring pool is right on the river, it is easy to spot and to enter in a canoe. However, the cypress trees encircling the spring and the private dock form a narrow opening to the pool.  When the private owners are using the small spring pool, paddling a canoe into the spring would likely cause a collision with the swimmers and is therefore not advisable.
• Climbing onto the dock or using the rope swing are not advised.  However, Rum Island is just a few minutes downriver and has a large spring basin for swimming as well as a rope swing.
• Although the dock and land around the spring are posted, there should be no problem in canoeing into the spring to see it or swim in it when it is not occupied.  Respect the signs and stay off the dock and land.

Personal Impressions
Another very nice little spring that would be fun to explore and snorkel.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, COL930971, Lily Springs, COL101971, Jonathan Spring, Rum Island Springs, GIL101971, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude
Scenery—good
How Pristine?—fairly pristine, house and walkway nearby
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown-private
Crowds—none
Access—none-private

Quick Directions
A few minutes’ paddle between Pickard Spring and Jonathan Spring on the Columbia County (north) side of the river.

Full Directions
The spring is about 1 mile below Poe Springs and 0.4 mile upriver from Rum Island on the north bank.

Directions to ramp at Poe Springs:  From High Springs, drive south on US 41/27 about one mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and proceed about 2.5 miles to entrance to Poe Springs County Park.

Directions to ramp at Rum Island:  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 and ramp.

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 appears to be about 75 feet from the river in a depression between the river and a large, modern house.  The spring forms a small creek that is 2-3 feet wide and a few inches deep.  The creek flows under a footbridge and into the river 8 feet downriver from a large, leaning cypress tree that is posted with a "No Trespassing" sign.  The water is clear.  The spring was not visited.  In 2002, the small creek/run from the spring appeared to have been blocked with cut timber.

Use/Access
No access. The spring is on private property.

Personal Impressions
Just a piddle really (average discharge is about 2.5 CFS according to Hornsby & Ceryak, 1998, p. 34), but the authors are always disappointed at getting so close to a spring without being able to see it.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, Jonathan Spring, Rum Island Springs, GIL101971, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—large 3^rd magnitude/small second magnitude
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—pristine
Swimming—good snorkeling and wading
Protection—fine
Crowds—none
Access—very good, boat and trail
Facilities—very good nearby
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
At eastern end of 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.  Either take path east along river to the spring (about 1/4 mile) or put in at boat ramp and paddle upriver about ¼ mile to 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

Spring Description
The spring is a circular pool about 15 feet in diameter that flows about 25 feet into the river.  Land rises up on all sides of the spring, and the mouth of its short run is framed by large trees that lean over it from both sides.  Water is clear and flows from a limestone opening 3-4 feet deep in the northeast corner.  The pool is blue.

Use/Access

• Easy to reach by canoe or foot, this spring is little-visited by the many people who use Rum Island County Park as a swimming hole, hangout, and boat-launching facility.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, GIL101971, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2nd
Scenery—very good
How Pristine?—near path, boat ramp, contains exotics, otherwise pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—fine
Crowds—few
Access—good
Facilities—good
Safety—fair to poor
Scuba—no
Cost—free

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--probably the same one--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

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, GIL101971, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—4^th magnitude
Scenery—very good
How Pristine?—near boat ramp and parking area, contains exotics, otherwise fairly pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—fine
Crowds—few
Access—very good—water only
Facilities—good
Safety—good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
Located along the bank (where exactly?) 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.

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 small (three feet in diameter) circular vent along the bank (which bank?  By the island?) of the river on the Columbia County side.  The water is clear and has a bluish tint.  The maximum depth is 6 feet and there is a noticeable boil on the surface (Hornsby & Ceryak, 1998, p. 36).

Use/Access
Accessible by boat only from the Rum Island boat ramp.  Because the spring is small and surrounded by thick vegetation, there is no apparent use.

Personal Impressions
The authors have not yet located this spring and rely on Hornsby & Ceryak for the description.  JF searched the entire perimeter of Rum Island in 2002 and again could not find it.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, GIL101971, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—swim/recreation area, erosion, near parking area, exotics in water
Swimming—very good
Protection—good
Crowds—heavy on warm weekends
Access—excellent
Facilities—good
Safety—good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
Located along the bank (where exactly) 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 in a large pool to the right (west) of the parking area.

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 eponymous spring at Rum Island is a single fissure in the SW portion of the 200-foot-diameter pool that it forms NW of Rum Island.  The water is clear and greenish in tint, and in the deeper sections is heavily infested with hydrilla.  On dates of visit in 1999 and 2000, the entire area around the vent, which is about 7 feet deep, was covered with exotic vegetation.  In 2002, the area between the spring and the shore had been cleared, but the vent was still surrounded by hydrilla.

Water flows strongly from a curved flying saucer-shaped cavern entrance that is about 10 feet long and 3-4 feet high in the center.  There is a 3-foot bank around the pool that is heavily eroded by recreational use.  The water gets more shallow as it approaches the bank.  The large pool opens directly into the Santa Fe River.

Use/Access

• The park itself has picnic tables and a boat ramp and is very popular on weekends.
• A large rope swing is a short distance upriver from Rum Island Spring, with both free-standing and tree-mounted platforms.
• Swimmers and waders in the spring stir up the water and reduce visibility.
• People occasionally remove hydrilla from the spring basin.

Personal Impressions
The spring is a major feature of this popular park, and is a local swimmin’ hole of long standing.  The banks are badly eroded, however, and the site would greatly benefit from having a boardwalk around the edge and steps into the spring pool.  A sign on the dirt road leading to Rum Island advertising "Nubian Goats 4 Sale" is a nice feature.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, other Rum Island Springs, GIL101971, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd Magnitude
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—completely pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—none
Access—arduous
Facilities—none
Safety—fair to good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
Located at the head of a run of unknown distance that empties into the Santa Fe River across from Rum Island.  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.  Put boat into the river and circle around Rum Island and look for two inlets at the eastern (upriver) end of the 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 authors paddled partway into the run for this spring, but after going approximately 100 yards were forced to turn back because of gathering darkness and obstructions in the run.  The run continued back SE out of sight.  Exiting the run, the authors saw another run entering the river and speculated that both runs emanated from the same spring.  The run was clear, about 25 feet wide, and a few feet deep.

Use/Access
Access only by small boat. Although the Rum Island area a few yards away was very crowded and congested, these two runs had no traffic on date of visit (Summer, 2000).  Hornsby & Ceryak identify the spring and measure its flow and parameters (1998, p. 51) but neither describe the vent nor have a photograph of the spring itself, suggesting they did not reach the spring.

Nearby Springs

• Columbia Spring, COL428981, Allen Spring, Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—dock at spring, exotics in water, otherwise fairly pristine
Swimming—excellent
Protection—very good/private
Crowds—heavy on warm weekends
Access—fine
Facilities—excellent
Safety—fine
Scuba—no
Cost—$5 per person by land

Directions
By land:  From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about five miles to entrance to Blue Springs Campground turnoff (look for sign).  Follow another two miles to Blue Springs.  From parking area, walk east along dirt path/road to Naked Spring.

By boat, putting in at Rum Island:  Blue Springs is just downriver of the boat ramp at Rum Island on the opposite bank.  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. Put boat into the river.  Just around the first bend downriver is the platform at the end of the Blue Springs run/Campground boardwalk.  Paddle into Blue Springs run at the boardwalk platform, then under the boardwalk to the left where the Naked Spring run joins the Blue Springs run.

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 springs lie in a low, swampy area.  The main spring pool is oval and about 45 by 70 feet in diameter.  Water issues from a limestone fissure on the west side of the pool, near a dock/platform that has been constructed to provide access to the spring.  Water was very clear on dates of visit (summer 2000 and June 2002), and there was a slick on the surface from the upwelling water.  Water over the vent was a deep blue. The bottom of the spring was covered in exotic aquatic vegetation everywhere but at the vent, which appeared to be 12-15 feet deep and surrounded by limestone.

The second spring is about 40 feet from the main pool and forms a circular basin about 25 feet across.  The water is clear, but the bottom is covered in plants and algae and the vent is not as clear.  There was a mild bould on the surface when visited June 1, 2002, and the bottom appeared to be about 15 feet deep.  Fallen logs hampered access by canoe; the site can also be reached by land from the nearby dirt road.

The springs are canopied by hardwood, floodplain forest.  The spring run--about 3 feet deep--flows west from the springs approximately 300 feet to where it joins the run from Blue Springs under the Blue Springs Campground boardwalk.

Use/Access

• The spring is located in the Blue Springs Campground, which has camping facilities, picnic areas, restrooms, swimming, a camp store, and related facilities.
• The authors have visited the spring from the land and also directly from the Santa Fe River by squeezing their canoe under the boardwalk and into the Naked Spring run. While it is legal to enter the spring in this way (as long as no landfall is made), the campground owners would probably not welcome such entry.
• While most of the visitors at Blue Springs Campground swim in the Blue Springs pool, the Naked springs pool is also used and can fill quickly because of its relatively small size.
• The floating dock at the spring makes for an excellent dive and swim platform.

Personal Impressions
Despite the exotic vegetation, Naked Spring is retains a lot of clear water for swimming and is an excellent swimming hole.  Of the many springs on the Santa Fe, Naked was the favorite of JF’s daughter for its natural beauty, relative seclusion, clear blue water, and cold temperature.  It's temperature is almost certainly the same as that of the other springs on the river, but felt colder due to the shady canopy.

Nearby Springs

• Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group, Sawdust Spring, COL1012972, COL1012971, Siphon Creek Rise Spring, Myrtle's Fissure, GIL1012971, GIL1012972, 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—exotics in water, otherwise fairly pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—very good/private
Crowds—none
Access—only to view
Facilities—excellent nearby
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—$5

Directions
From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about five miles to entrance to Blue Springs Campground turnoff (look for sign).  Follow another two miles to Blue Springs.  From parking area, walk east along dirt path/road to Johnson Spring, a short distance beyond Naked 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

Spring Description
The spring pool is a low, swampy area of floodplain forest.  Viewed from the edge of the spring, a blue area could be seen indicating the vent.  The spring pool was somewhat indeterminate and difficult to distinguish from the surrounding swamp.  It appeared to be egg-shaped and approximately 20 feet wide and about 60 feet long.  The spring creates a run that, according to Rosenau et al. (1977, p. 120) flows directly into the Santa Fe River above the run from Blue Springs.  The authors have not seen this run from the river and have only viewed the spring from the land.

Use/Access

• When last visited (1997), the spring had no apparent use.  The adjacent landowders may have developed it as they have done with nearby Naked Spring.
• The spring is located in the Blue Springs Campground, which has camping facilities, picnic areas, restrooms, swimming, a camp store, and related facilities.

Nearby Springs

• Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Ginnie Springs group, Sawdust Spring, COL1012972, COL1012971, Siphon Creek Rise Spring, Myrtle's Fissure, GIL1012971, GIL1012972, 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—developed swim/recreation/camp/beach area with platform, walkway, exotics in water, low retaining wall to prevent beach erosion
Swimming—fine to excellent
Protection—very good/private
Crowds—very heavy on warm weekends
Access—excellent
Facilities—excellent
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—$5 per person

Directions
From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile. Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about five miles to entrance to Blue Springs Campground turnoff (look for sign).  Follow another two miles to Blue Springs.

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 that is about 125 feet in diameter.  Water issues from limestone boulders at a depth of about 23 feet in the western end of the pool.  Water is very clear and blue, and fish congregate under the dive town in the deeper water.  A diving platform on the west side juts out over the springhead.  The cave entrance is visible from the platform.  Another smaller cave is just to the left as one stands on the platform looking out over the water.  Elodea or hydrilla are present in the basin, but appeared to be clear out periodically.  Exotic vegetation also lines the quarter-mile spring run to the river. The middle of the run is clear, revealing a sandy bottom at a depth of about 5 feet.  A wooden walkway/boardwalk parallels the run on the east side all the way to the mouth of the run at the Santa Fe River.  From the end of the boardwalk, Rum Island may be seen a short distance upriver on the opposite bank.  A low retaining wall has been constructed along most of the beach to prevent erosion along the shoreline.

Use/Access

• The spring is located in the Blue Springs Campground, which has camping facilities, picnic areas, restrooms, swimming, a camp store, and related facilities.
• The spring is very popular with swimmers on warm weekends. Jumping off the platform (which is about 10 feet over the water, swimmers stirs up the water, create erosion, and scare away the fish over the vent.

Nearby Springs

• Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Little Blue Springs, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group, Sawdust Spring, COL1012972, COL1012971, Siphon Creek Rise Spring, Myrtle's Fissure, GIL1012971, GIL1012972, 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—near cleared area, small observation platform at edge of spring
Swimming—no
Protection—very good/private
Crowds—none
Access—excellent
Facilities—excellent
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—$5 per person

Directions
From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile. Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about five miles to entrance to Blue Springs Campground turnoff (look for sign).  Follow another two miles to Blue Springs.  Little Blue Spring is to the left of Blue Spring, in the trees below the parking area.

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 lies just below a cleared area a few yards from the larger Blue Spring.  The pool is about 15 feet in diameter and is deep blue over the vent, which is visible from a log at the edge of the pool.  The depth of the spring appears to be about 8 feet, and the water is very clear.  The spring creates a run that flows northeasterly about 200 feet to join the Blue Spring run just below where it is blocked by a fence.  Except for the cleared grassy area to the south of the spring, Little Blue is surrounded by dense forest floodplain.  This description is based on a brief view of the spring, and no systematic measurements were made.

Use/Access
When visited by the authors (1997), there was no apparent use of the spring.

Personal Impressions
A very attractive little spring that is overlooked by most of the visitors to Blue Springs, only yards away.

Nearby Springs

• Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group, Sawdust Spring, COL1012972, COL1012971, Siphon Creek Rise Spring, Myrtle's Fissure, GIL1012971, GIL1012972, 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—steps to water, land cleared around spring, developed camp/swim/dive/recreation area, some exotics, otherwise fairly pristine
Swimming—excellent, outstanding snorkeling
Protection—fine
Crowds—heavy on warm weekends
Access—excellent
Facilities—excellent
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—$8 to swim

Directions
Part of the Ginnie Springs complex.  From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about 6.5 miles and then turn right onto graded road at sign for Ginnie Springs. Follow another mile to the entrance.

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
Little Devil is a 45-foot deep fissure in the limestone that is parallel to its 150-foot fun to the Santa Fe River.  The pool is finger-shaped and approximately 18 feet wide.  The fissure if about 40 feet long and narrows as it drops.  The limestone is mostly bare, with some algae and plants on the rocks.  Hydrilla is present in the run, which widens as it nears the Santa Fe River and passes over Devil’s Eye Spring.  The run is about 300 feet in length.  A thin line of hardwood trees lines the run.  Water in the spring is clear and can be blue or green depending on lighting and other conditions.  The inteconnected cavern systems associated with this and other springs at Ginnie Springs have been mapped for 33,000 feet.  Over 30,000 divers visit the Ginnie Springs complex each year.  Water in the spring is around 72 degrees.  Studies show that the springs are fed by two watersheds that encompass 300 square miles (Rauch, 2003).

Use/Access

• The spring is very popular with both scuba divers and snorkelers and is crowded on warm weekends. Wooden steps are built alongside the spring for the convenience of scuba divers.
• On busy days, the water at the spring can become churned and somewhat milky, reducing visibility.
• Ginnie Springs is a full-facility recreation/dive site, with camping areas, a store, compressors for air tanks, scuba lessons, tubing, picnic areas, bathrooms, and other concessions.  The complex is the most popular freshwater diving location in the world.
• Little Devil is the first of four major and attractive springs that lie in almost a straight line going from the south to the north side of the river. The other springs are Devil’s Eye (near mouth of the Little Devil run), Devil’s Ear (in the river on the south side), and July spring (in a large alcove on the north side of the river). This happy alignment reminds JF of The constellations in Orion’s belt.
• It is best to visit anytime but on a warm summer weekend, when the spring will be very crowded and have reduced visibility due to too many swimmers and divers in the water.

Nearby Springs

• Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group, Sawdust Spring, COL1012972, COL1012971, Siphon Creek Rise Spring, Myrtle's Fissure, GIL1012971, GIL1012972, 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?— steps to water, land cleared around spring, developed camp/swim/dive/recreation area, otherwise fairly pristine
Swimming—excellent, outstanding snorkeling
Protection—very good
Crowds—heavy on warm weekends
Access—excellent
Facilities—excellent
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—$10 to swim

Directions
Part of the Ginnie Springs complex. From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road), drive about 6.5 miles, and then turn right onto graded road at sign for Ginnie Springs.  Follow another mile to the entrance.

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
Devil’s Eye Spring is a dramatic cylindrical limestone shaft that lies in a large clear pool in the lower end of the Little Devil Spring run about 50 feet from the Santa Fe River.  It is marked by a tethered red ball.  The shaft is about 18 feet across and about 20 feet deep.  At the bottom of the shaft on the west side is a cavern entrance that, according to DeLoach (1997, p. 86) leads to a depth of 65 feet and exits out of nearby Devil’s Ear Spring.  About 10 feet down on the east side is a natural limestone seat.  Water in the spring is very clear and can be a deep, even glowing, blue.  Under other conditions, the water can be greenish, and the spring is subject to flooding by the Santa Fe River when the river is high.  The full run is about 300 feet in length.  The inteconnected cavern systems associated with this and other springs at Ginnie Springs have been mapped for 33,000 feet.  Over 30,000 divers visit the Ginnie Springs complex each year.  Water in the spring is around 72 degrees.  Studies show that the springs are fed by two watersheds that encompass 300 square miles (Rauch, 2003).

Use/Access

• Ginnie Springs is a full-facility recreation/dive site, with camping areas, a store, compressors for air tanks, scuba lessons, tubing, picnic areas, bathrooms, and other concessions.  The complex is the most popular freshwater diving location in the world.
• It is best to visit anytime but on a warm summer weekend, when the spring will be very crowded and have reduced visibility due to too many swimmers and divers in the water.
• Devil’s Eye is the second of four major and attractive springs that lie in almost a straight line going from the south to the north side of the river. The other springs are Little Devil (at the southern end), Devil’s Ear (in the river on the south side), and July spring (in a large alcove on the north side of the river). This happy alignment reminds JF of the constellations in Orion’s belt.

Nearby Springs

• Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group, Sawdust Spring, COL1012972, COL1012971, Siphon Creek Rise Spring, Myrtle's Fissure, GIL1012971, GIL1012972, 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude
Scenery—good to excellent
How Pristine?—adjacent to developed camp/swim/dive/recreation area, some exotics, otherwise fairly pristine
Swimming—fair to very good, excellent snorkeling
Protection—very good
Crowds—moderate on warm weekends
Access—good
Facilities—excellent
Safety—good
Scuba—yes
Cost—$10 to swim

Directions
Part of the Ginnie Springs complex. From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about 6.5 miles and then turn right onto graded road at sign for Ginnie Springs. Follow another mile to the entrance.

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 lies in the bed of the Santa Fe River just beyond the mouth of the Little Devil/Devil’s Eye Springs run and is marked by a tethered red ball.  As with Devil’s Eye Spring nearby, Devil’s Ear is a large and dramatic limestone shaft.  The spring creates a pronounced boil.  There is not really a spring pool, as the spring is in the river itself where the Devil's run meets the river.  The spring opening is perhaps ten feet deep and wide enough for divers to descend into a chimney-like cave system that is connected back to Devil’s Eye Spring 100 feet away.  The bottom is about 30 feet deep.

Water flowing from the spring is clear and creates a prominent boil on the surface.  The tea-colored water of the Santa Fe River sometimes obscures the clear spring water.  When the river is clear, however, visibility is very good.  The inteconnected cavern systems associated with this and other springs at Ginnie Springs have been mapped for 33,000 feet.  Over 30,000 divers visit the Ginnie Springs complex each year.  Water in the spring is around 72 degrees.  Studies show that the springs are fed by two watersheds that encompass 300 square miles (Rauch, 2003).

Use/Access

• Ginnie Springs is a full-facility recreation/dive site, with camping areas, a store, compressors for air tanks, scuba lessons, tubing, picnic areas, bathrooms, and other concessions.Because the spring is out in the river and requires more effort to reach, it is visited primarily by scuba divers and more determined snorkelers. For this same reason, swimmers and snorkelers need to be mindful of tubers and canoes plying the river.  The complex is the most popular freshwater diving location in the world.
• A curious and interesting visual effect may be observed from underwater at Devil’s Ear Spring. The clear water of the spring is often topped over by the darker water of the river. The sight of this clash of clear and dark water is striking and more evident when someone passes above the viewer in the darker water.
• Devil’s Ear is the third of four major and attractive springs that lie in almost a straight line going from the south to the north side of the river. The other springs are Little Devil (at the southern end), Devil’s Eye (near mouth of the Little Devil run), and July spring (in a large alcove on the north side of the river). This happy alignment reminds JF of the constellations in Orion’s belt.

• Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group, Sawdust Spring, COL1012972, COL1012971, Siphon Creek Rise Spring, Myrtle's Fissure, GIL1012971, GIL1012972, 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?— adjacent to developed camp/swim/dive/recreation area, exotic plants in water, float marking site, otherwise fairly pristine
Swimming—good
Protection—unknown/private, no landfall allowed
Crowds—can be heavy on warm weekends
Access—very good, boat or swimming only
Facilities—excellent at Ginnie Springs nearby
Safety—good
Scuba—yes
Cost—$10 to enter water at Ginnie Springs

Directions
Accessible from the Ginnie Springs complex.  From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about 6.5 miles and then turn right onto graded road at sign for Ginnie Springs.  Follow another mile to the entrance.  July Spring is directly across the river from the three Devils springs at the upstream end of the Ginnie Springs complex.

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 creates a semicircular cove at the edge of the Santa Fe River.  The alcove is approximately 85 feet across and opens directly into the river. A small sign on a tree on the bank identifies the spring.  The area around the spring is infested with elodea.  The spring is a 40-foot long fissure that parallels the river and forms several vents and boils on the surface.  The water is clear and varies from blue to greenish depending on conditions.  The vents appear to be 6-10 feet deep and are narrow openings in the limestone.  The land around the spring is dense floodplain forest with a bank of about three feet.  The inteconnected cavern systems associated with this and other springs at Ginnie Springs have been mapped for 33,000 feet.  Over 30,000 divers visit the Ginnie Springs complex each year.  Water in the spring is around 72 degrees.  Studies show that the springs are fed by two watersheds that encompass 300 square miles (Rauch, 2003).

Use/Access

• Nearby Ginnie Springs is a full-facility recreation/dive site, with camping areas, a store, compressors for air tanks, scuba lessons, tubing, picnic areas, bathrooms, and other concessions.  The complex is the most popular freshwater diving location in the world.
• It is best to visit anytime but on a warm summer weekend, when the spring will be crowded and have reduced visibility due to too many swimmers in the water.
• On dates of visits in 1999 and 2000, only the vents were free of exotic vegetation.
• Signs on the trees say "Private Property–Keep Off!"
• Many people swim across the river to July Spring, or rent canoes at Ginnie Spring and canoe the short distance upriver. If you swim across, watch for boaters and account for the current in the Santa Fe River.
• July is the fourth of four major and attractive springs that lie in almost a straight line going from the south to the north side of the river. The other springs are Little Devil (at the southern end), Devil’s Eye (near mouth of the Little Devil run), and Devil’s Ear (on the south side of the river). This happy alignment reminds JF of the constellations in Orion’s belt.
• Because it is not part of the Ginnie Springs complex, July is not regularly cleared of exotic vegetation and is not as accessible as the Devils springs or Ginnie Spring.

Nearby Springs

• Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group, Sawdust Spring, COL1012972, COL1012971, Siphon Creek Rise Spring, Myrtle's Fissure, GIL1012971, GIL1012972, 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• O’Leno State Park
• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
• River Rise State Preserve
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—land cleared around spring, steps to water, some erosion, developed swim/dive/recreation/camp area, some exotics in water
Swimming—excellent, outstanding snorkeling
Protection—very good
Crowds—overrun on warm weekends
Access—excellent
Facilities—excellent
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—$10 to swim

Directions
Part of the Ginnie Springs complex.  From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile.  Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about 6.5 miles and then turn right onto graded road at sign for Ginnie Springs.  Follow another mile to the entrance.

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 lies in a circular pool that is 125 feet in diameter and slopes down from the bank to a depth of about 18 feet.  The bottom is sandy with numerous limestone outcrops/boulders.  Beneath a limestone shelf is a large cavern entrance perhaps 30 feet wide and from three to six feet high.  The entrance opens to a large chamber and leads to underwater passages that have been measured to 1,100 feet.

Water in the spring is very clear and visibility is excellent most of the time.  The water varies in color from blue to green (see photos).  The spring forms a run that tapers from the wide pool to perhaps 50 feet in width and flows about 200 feet to the Santa Fe River at the upper end of the Ginnie Springs complex.  In the run, bubbles from scuba divers may be observed rising through small holes in the limestone.  Land around the spring is mostly cleared hardwood forest, and steps have been constructing from the bank into the spring to prevent erosion.  The inteconnected cavern systems associated with this and other springs at Ginnie Springs have been mapped for 33,000 feet.  Over 30,000 divers visit the Ginnie Springs complex each year.  Water in the spring is around 72 degrees.  Studies show that the springs are fed by two watersheds that encompass 300 square miles (Rauch, 2003).

Use/Access

• Ginnie Springs is a full-facility recreation/dive site, with camping areas, a store, compressors for air tanks, scuba lessons, tubing, picnic areas, bathrooms, and other concessions.  The complex is the most popular freshwater diving location in the world.
• It is best to visit anytime but on a warm summer weekend, when the spring will be very crowded and have reduced visibility due to too many swimmers and divers in the water.
• In the late 1990s, a friend of JF was camping at the Ginnie and saw an employee spraying for mosquitoes. When asked how frequently the spraying occurred, the employee said the area was sprayed every day.

• The spring is supposedly named for a woman who washed her laundry at the site many years ago.
• Danone International draws approximately 1 million gallons of water a day from Ginnie and Dogwood Springs for bottled spring water.
• The level of nitrate in Ginnie Springs is rising in the spring water, and the owners purchased approximately 1,000 acres of land in the spring’s recharge basin to help protect the