Little River Spring on the Suwannee River
Suwannee County
|
Summary of Features
- Scale—2nd
- Scenery—fine
- How Pristine?--banks lined with rocks to prevent erosion, parking
area, steps, and facilities nearby
- Swimming—fine, excellent snorkeling
- Protection—good
- Crowds—swarms on warm weekends
- Access—fine
- Facilities—very good
- Safety—good
- Scuba—yes
- Cost—free
|
Directions
From Branford, drive three miles north on U.S. 129 and turn left onto County
Road 248. A green "Little River Spring" marks the turn. Go about a mile toward
the river (west) and follow signs 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
Little River Spring is set about 50 yards from the Suwannee River and forms
a curved key-shaped pool and run surrounded by the 25-foot river levee.
The level of the spring varies with that of the adjacent Suwannee River,
but in times of normal or low water is shallow—2-4 feet deep. The spring
run narrows from about 75 feet wide over the pool to about 20 feet at the
mouth. When the river is high, the spring and run are wider and deeper.
Water issues from two openings in a limestone crevice that is approximately
30 feet long. The larger opening leads to a cavern entrance at a depth
of about 15 feet. A cave system extends approximately ¼ mile from
the entrance and is up to 100 feet deep. Except in times of high water
or when visitors stir the spring, the water is very clear with a deep blue
over the vent. The spring has a strong boil. A tree trunk is wedged
in the limestone between the two vents. The bottom of the run is limestone
and white sand, and the banks surrounding the spring are sandy and lightly
vegetated. Trees line the tops of the levee above the spring. The banks
surrounding the spring and its run are lined with rocks and boulders to prevent
erosion. Steps lead from a parking area to the spring.
Use/Access
- Little River Spring is a Suwannee County Park open during daylight
hours. Renovations undertaken in 2002-2003 (the site was closed for nearly
a year) now provide portable restrooms, construction of boardwalks, handicap
accessibility, and an improved parking area. Before the $1.2 million
restoration effort (which also included sediment removal from the spring
and its run), the spring was one of the most eroded in Florida.
- Little River is very popular with sunbathers, picnickers, swimmers,
scuba divers, and boaters, and is rarely visitor-free during the day. Boats
congregate at the mouth of the run—in the run in times of high water—including
floating vendors (the "Lazy L Burger Hut" in 1999) selling hamburgers, boiled
peanuts, and soft drinks.
- Coarse language is commonly heard at the spring, and alcohol-fueled
fights sometimes occur.
- The tree trunk wedged in one part of the vent—either from when the
spring reversed at a time when the Suwannee River was high or from vandals—serves
as a perch for swimmers.
Local Springiana
- Little River is a well-known and popular dive site.
- The spring was featured with a photograph in the March 1999 issue
of National Geographic (p. 45), as part of a story in the magazine
on the springs of Florida.
Personal Impressions
Despite the crowds and erosion, Little River is one of the most physically
alluring natural sights in Florida. When the water is not high or stirred
by visitors, the smooth and curving flow of this spring and its run to the
Suwannee is breathtakingly beautiful. Under the right conditions, the water
in the run is virtually invisible. Because the limestone shelf in the run
is just below the surface, visitors have the rare opportunity to stand and
peer directly over the cavern entrance and barely get their knees wet. Breaks
in the limestone near the vent create a pool that is perfect for wading,
swimming, and snorkeling. Even in times of high water, the spring remains
attractive. Its flow is strong enough that it remains relatively clear even
when the river is up to 10 feet above the normal high watermark.
Try to visit on a weekday or in the winter, when the crowds will be small
and the water clear.
Nearby Springs
- Suwannee Blue, Royal, Bathtub, Convict, Owens, Mearson, Ruth, Sulfur,
Shingle, Branford, Cow, Running
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Suwannee River State Park
- Itchetucknee River State Park
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)