Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs.

Unnamed Spring below Blue

Washington County

Summary of Features

  • Scale—3rd magnitude (est.)
  • Scenery—fine
  • How Pristine?—pristine
  • Swimming—no
  • Protection—excellent
  • Crowds—none
  • Access—fairly arduous, canoe and wading
  • Facilities—none
  • Safety—fair
  • Scuba—no
  • Cost—free

Directions

As land access from Blue Springs is limited, one must canoe from Walsingham Bridge or Walsingham Park. From the intersection of State Road 20 and U.S.231 north of Panama City, drive west on SR20 about 7 miles to bridge over Econfina Creek. Continue another 1/3 mile, then turn right onto Strickland Road. Drive 2.6 miles to stop sign at T-junction. Turn left at stop sign onto what becomes Porter Park Road. Continue 2.3 miles, then turn right onto Hampshire Road. Continue 1.2 miles, then turn right at sign for Walsingham Bridge. Continue another 1.55 miles to one-lane plank Walsingham Bridge over Econfina Creek. There is a primitive launch at the SE edge of the bridge, or carry on another ¼ mile to Walsingham Park, which has a better boat launch. The mouth of the run of this spring run is just below the mouth of the Blue Springs Group run on the Econfina River, a little over 3 miles from the put-in.

Spring Description

The authors did not see this spring--rather only the mouth of its run--and wondereded if the flow—which is clearly from a spring—might actually be part of the spring flow from the nearby Blue Springs group. The mouth of the run is about 10 feet wide, a few inches deep, and is obscured by overhanging branches. Water is afew inches deep and clear. The shallow run ascends only about 50 feet before reaching a low (3-4 feet) limestone bank. Water flows both from beneath this bank and over it in a 3-foot cascade that is audible from Econfina Creek. Behind the bank is an irregular pool perhaps 50 feet wide and extending out of sight more than 150 feet away. The pool is also shallow, muddy,and filled with aquatic vegetation and fallen trees.

The authors did not feel comfortable wading in the muddy pool, and so did not locate the spring.

Use/Access

The area around the run is managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Access is difficult, and waders would be recommended. There is no apparent use of this pristine spot.

Personal Impressions

While not inviting, the site was very intriguing. The authors would very much like to know if this flow is from the Blue Springs group or is a separate spring.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features