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

Horn Spring

Leon County

Summary of Features

  • Scale - 2nd magnitude
  • Scenery - very good
  • How Pristine? - previously unspoiled; small beach area with some erosion
  • Swimming - fair
  • Protection - good
  • Crowds - none
  • Access - currently none
  • Facilities - none
  • Safety - fair
  • Scuba - yes
  • Cost - closed to public

Directions

From Tallahassee, take U.S. 319 south to State Road 363 (Woodville Highway) south to Natural Bridge Road east. 1.7 miles past the monument, turn left on sand road. Stay on this main sand road and do not be tempted by turnoffs that lead who-knows-where. Spring is 2.3 miles on the left.

Spring Description

Horn Springs consist of a large pool deep in the woods and a smaller spring downstream nearby. The area around the springs is pine forest with some oak and other hardwoods and the land is gentle rolling hills. The flow from the two springs feeds the St. Marks River, which is not generally navigable above this point. The large pool is round and about 75 feet in diameter, ranges from blue to green in color, and has algae on the surface in the warm months. Heavy, overhanging forest rings the pool. The water was milky blue the times the authors visited, with visibility of only about two feet. The smaller pool is shallow and about 30 feet in diameter. The run from the smaller pool joins the run from the larger spring which meets the St. Marks River about 350 feet from the main spring.

Use/Access

Personal Impressions

Visiting the springs the first time can be discomfiting, as the spot is very remote, difficult to locate and drive to in a two-wheel-drive vehicle, and it is hard to tell which of the many sand roads is the correct route. The spring itself, however, is lovely and peaceful. It appears that most of the local folk who frequented it just went to relax and enjoy being at the site.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features