Chipola Unnnamed Riverbank Springs (Plus Alamo Cave)
Jackson County
Summary of Features
- Scale: All have small flow
- Scenery: Fine
- How Pristine?: Very pristine
- Swimming: No
- Protection: Unknown
- Crowds: None
- Access: Very good; boat only
- Facilities: None
- Safety: Very good
- Scuba: No
- Cost: Free
Quick Directions
Directions
Accessible via small boat. From the center of Marianna on U.S. 90, go north on Jefferson Street (State Road 167--the same turn as for Florida Cavern State Park) and proceed about 1.5 miles to the bridge over the Chipola River. Put in and go downstream about 3.25-3.5 miles. Look for flowpoints at the base of limestone banks and boulders at the water's edge at the following coordinates:
- Spring A: N30.45.583; W85.15.046
- Possible Spring B: N30.45.583; W85.13.064
- Spring C: N30.45.583; W.85.13.082
- Possible Spring D: N30.45.285; W85.12.744
Spring Description
There are several similar small springs on the west bank of the Chipola River in an area stretching from shortly after the Unnamed Alcove Spring to Alamo Cave. The springs are similar in composition--small flows from openings in or between limestone rocks and boulders at the river's edge and forming the base of the riverbank. Springflow was seen and confirmed at Springs A & C, and is suspected but not confirmed from flowpoints B and D. The area has a lot of exposed limestone on the west bank, which rises up to 30 feet above the river. Flow from these springs is clear, and the flow points are inundated when the river is high. Just below these confirmed and possible springs is Alamo Cavern, which is at the river's edge and has a series of passages including a main passageway that can be entered at a distance of more than 200 feet to the west.
Use/Access
There is no apparent use of any of these small springs, which are all in a pristine condition.
Local Springiana
Text from Johnson & Faircloth:
Personal Impressions
Worth a look and that's about it; Deer does not have the visual or recreational appeal of the other springs in the Ginnie Springs complex.
Nearby Springs
- Blue Hole Spring
- Baltzell (or Bosel or Bozel) Springs group
- Sandbag Spring
- Unamed Grotto/Wastewater Spring
- Unnamed Alcove Spring
- Dykes Spring
- Unnamed Spring Cascade
- Delightful Grotto Spring and Cascade
- Unnamed Rock Overhang Seep
- Unnamed 2-Tree/3-Trailer Seep
- Unnamed Possible Chipola Spring Runs (5)
- Unnamed Chipola West Bank Seeps
- Unnamed Limestone Boulders Spring
- Possible Spring run Near Highway 280 Bridge
- Merrit’s Mill Pond Springs (Jackson Blue, Shangri-La, Twin Caves, Indian Washtub, Gator)
- Spring Lake Springs (Black, Double, Gadsen [or Gadsden], Millpond, Springboard,Coffin)
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Florida Caverns State Park
- Three Rivers State Park
- Falling Water State Park
- Torreya State Park
- Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve