Brunson Landing Spring
Washington County
Summary of Features
- Scale -2nd magnitude
- Scenery - good
- How Pristine? - very pristine
- Swimming - fair-good in main spring
- Protection - unknown
- Crowds - some swimming at main spring
- Access - somewhat difficult, by foot only
- Facilities - none at springs
- Safety - fair to good
- Scuba - possible at main spring
- Cost - free
Quick Directions
On Holmes Creek north of Vernon. From the main intersection in Vernon, drive north on State Road 79, after crossing the bridge over Holmes Creek, continue 1/10 mile and then turn left (east) onto County Road 278. Go about 3 miles, then turn left onto Dorch Circle. Go about one block then bear left onto Brunson Landing Springs Road and continue 3/4 mile to the landing. Facing the river, walk to the right (upriver)on a trail along the river. Bear right at an island and continue to follow the path (perhaps 900 feet total) to the three springs.
Spring Description
Three springs make up the Brunson Landing Springs Group. The first or most downstream spring is an oval seep pool about 30 feet long, 20 feet wide, and a few inches deep. Water in the pool is clear, and the bottom is very muddy. Water flows from the seep pool into the little run separating the island from the land. The second pool is also a seep pool and is circular--about 12 feet in diameter on date of visit in May 2002. Water in the pool was clear and only a few inches deep, a mild brown and muddy sand boil could be seen in the center of the pool. Trickling run from this pool flowed into the first seep pool.
The third spring forms a pool that is about 35 feet across and approximately 20 feet deep. Water in the spring is clear and dark blue. Limestone, fallen tree trunks, limbs, and tree roots are visible in the pool. There is a platform in a tree next to the pool. The spring forms a run that forks to create the island and to join the small flows from the other two springs.
All three springs lie in an area of dense floodplain forest, and much of the trail was muddy on date of visit in May 2002. The springs are all canopied and have dark material on their bottoms, reducing visibility. In the large spring, however, some sunlight reached the pool, creating the deep blue hue.
Use/Access
- The springs are adjacent to private property, but lie in the river floodplain and so may be visited without trespassing.
- The boat landing near the springs is public and includes a picnic table.
- The large spring is used for swimming; the adventuresome leap from the tree platform that has been constructed about 20 feet above the water.
Local Springiana
Brunson Landing is a traditional site of baptisms.
Nearby Springs
- Jackson Spring
- Ponce de Leon Springs
- Vortex Spring
- Cypress Spring
- Beckton Spring
- Hightower Springs
- Piney Woods Spring
- Shellcracker Springs
- Clemmons Spring
- Jack Paul Spring
- Other Holmes Creek Springs
- Morrison Spring
Other Nearby Natural Features
- St. Andrews State Recreation Area
- Falling Waters State Recreation Area