Summary of Features Scale -2nd magnitude Scenery -very good How Pristine? -wall and parking area, but otherwise relatively unspoiled Swimming -fair Protection -excellent Crowds -small Access -excellent Facilities -none Safety -very good Scuba -no Cost -free

Directions
From Branford, drive about 5 miles NW on U.S. 27. Turn right on CR 425, which angles to the northeast. Go about a mile on the paved road and as it bends to the left, turn right onto a wide dirt road at a large wooden sign that says, "Troy Spring Conservation Area.," which is managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District. Turn right off the paved road, and drive about 1.2 miles to the third road to the left. Turn left and proceed to Ruth 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
Ruth Spring forms a tear-drop-shaped pool that is about 50 feet in diameter. Water in the spring is clear and has had a greenish tint on the dates that the authors have visited. The depth of the pool varies with the level of the Suwannee River, but is generally shallow enough for wading. The water is deepest over the small vent, which is 5-10 feet deep depending of the level of the Suwannee. There is a mild boil over the vent, which is near the wooden wall that has been erected next to the limestone wall around the parking-lot end of the pool to prevent erosion. Small fish congregate in the pool. The spring forms a meandering, shallow run of about ¼ mile to the Suwannee. There is little vegetation in the spring pool or its run. Oak, gum, and cypress trees form a canopy over the pool and its run.

Use/Access

• The spring is a gathering area for picnics, making out, wading, and some swimming. It is primarily a hangout for local folks.
• A trail on the spring’s south side parallels the run to the Suwannee River. Boaters tie up at the mouth of the run and walk up the run to the spring.
• There is a rope swing at the spring pool.

Personal Impressions

Ruth is worth a look, perhaps a snorkel, and a walk along its run to the Suwannee, but is not especially appealing as springs go. In times of high water, the trail along the run is muddy or submerged, and the spring is not very clear.

Nearby Springs

• Suwannee Blue, Royal, Bathtub, Convict, Owens, Mearson, Little River, Sulfur, Shingle, Branford, Cow, Running

Other Nearby Natural Features

• Suwannee River State Park
• Itchetucknee River State Park

Contact Information

• Suwannee River Water Management District
• 9225 CR49
• Live Oak, FL 32060
• 800-226-1066