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

Heilbronn Spring

Bradford County

Summary of Features

  • Scale - very low flow
  • Scenery - very good
  • How Pristine? - remnant of pumping structure around spring
  • Swimming - no
  • Protection - unknown
  • Crowds - none
  • Access - none/private

Directions

In Starke, from intersection of U.S. 301 and State Road 16, go NW on SR 16 for 6 miles to bridge at Water Oak Creek. Walk west (left) along bank to locate the flows. Two are about 150 yards from the bridge, and the main flow is a short distance further on the left (south).

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

JF found two small flows in the creek as well as the probable run from the main flow on a visit in 1998. The first flow is about 150 yards from the SR16 bridge on the right or north bank. Water flows from a small opening at the rate of about 1 gallon/second a few feet into the creek. The second flow is in the creek bed a few feet to the west. The flow from this spring is greater than that from the first spring.

About ¼ mile west of the bridge, a run enters the creek from the left (south). It appears to be the run from the spring described in Rosenau et al. (1977, p. 74-75). In 1998, this flow was only a trickle and frequently dipped below the ground and out of sight. When the run neared trailer homes, JF did not proceed further. There were no signs of a structure (in Springs of Florida, there is a cylindrical wall with a roof and fence around the spring, a pump, and pipes leading from it), although there was lumber in the run.

The banks of the creek are steep and about 10 feet high. The area around the spring is forested. Water Oak Creek flows into the New River.

Use/Access

No apparent use. The spring may still be used, however, to provide water for local residents.

Personal Impressions

It was kind of creepy walking up the run; JF feared attack by pit bulls if he made too much noise or went too far up the spring run.

Springiana

The spring may also be reached by a dirt road about 0.2 miles SE of the bridge off SR 16. However, the road is posted.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features