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

Cow Spring

Suwannee County

Summary of Features

  • Scale -2nd magnitude
  • Scenery -fine
  • How Pristine? -unspoiled; parking area above spring
  • Swimming -fair to good
  • Protection -excellent
  • Crowds -small to none
  • Access – Restricted - private property
  • Facilities -none
  • Safety -good
  • Scuba -yes

Directions

Address and web link for map and other information: 18487 177th Rd, Live Oak, FL 32060, www.google.com/maps/place/Cow+Spring+(NSS%2FCDS)/@30.1057268,-83.1147949,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x47505c91e5ea141f!8m2!3d30.1057268!4d-83.1147949

From Mayo, drive north on State Road 51. After about 4 miles, cross the Suwannee River. The flashing light at Luraville is another 1-1.5 miles north, just past the agriculture weigh station. There is a country store on the left at the flashing light. Turn right at the light onto Luraville Road and drive about 3.5 miles. At intersection with church on the left, turn right (south) and go about 1.2 miles. There will be a road on the left that leads 200 yards to the spring.

Spring Description

The spring pool is in a steep depression set in heavy forest and floodplain. The pool is oval, about 25 by 55 feet and framed by large limestone boulders. The pool is open to the south where the spring run flows several hundred feet to the Suwannee through dense foliage. The water is very clear and blue on sunny days. There is duckweed on parts of the surface. The pool is approximately 25 feet deep and leads to a large cave opening that is linked with the Peacock underwater cavern system. A boil is visible onthe surface. There is a large fallen tree trunk in the spring as well as large boulders and small fish.

Use/Access

Local Springiana

JF found a broken spear point at the bottom of the spring.

Personal Impressions

Cow is a lovely spring that has a very remote feel to it. A weekday visitor would likely have the site to him- or herself.

Nearby Springs