Bradley Spring
Taylor
Summary of Features
- Scale - 3rd magnitude
- Scenery - good-very good
- How Pristine? - enclosure around spring, adjacent to cleared area and park
- Swimming - no
- Protection - good
- Crowds - can be heavy on weekends
- Access - very good
- Facilities - fair
- Safety - fair-good
- Scuba - no
- Cost - free
Directions
In Steinhatchee, from intersection of State Roads 50 and 361, drive north on SR 361 out of Steinhatchee. After passing entrance on left (west) for the Solid Waste Collection Site, continue another half mile and turn left onto sand road at sign for Bradley Spring and follow to county park and 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 surrounded on three sides by a brick wall that is two feet high and six feet across. Water flows from a limestone opening and creates a strong boil. Flow from the spring forms a creek that flows several miles through jungle, marsh, and eventually to the Gulf of Mexico. The creek is 3-5 inches deep, and the water is clear and has a pronounced sulfur odor. Green algae grows in the run.
The land below the creek is dense floodplain/coastal forest. The area behind the spring has been cleared to create a public park.
Use/Access
- The park at the site (3-4 acres) has a large sandy parking area, several large oak trees to provide shade, and several picnic tables, but no other facilities.
- When the authors visited in February 2001, they were assaulted by no-see-ums and could not stand to stay at the site for more than about five minutes.
- The sand in the park is deep and can entrap the unheedful driver.
Personal Impressions
Worth a look, but drive carefully in the sand and be prepared for biting insects in season (January 1-December 31).
Nearby Springs
- Eva Spring
- Steinhatchee Spring
- Steinhatchee Rise
- TAY76992
- TAY625993
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Econfina River State Park
- Wacissa River/Slave Canal
- Steinhatchee Falls
- Wakulla Springs State Park
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge