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

Madison Blue Spring

Madison County

Summary of Features

  • Scale -1st magnitude
  • Scenery -very good to fine
  • How Pristine? -pool and run modified for recreation/swimming/restoration
  • Swimming -very good to excellent
  • Protection -excellent
  • Crowds -crowded on warm weekends
  • Access -excellent
  • Facilities -fine
  • Safety -very good
  • Scuba -yes
  • Cost -$5 per car



Directions

Address: 8300 NE State Road 6, Lee, FL 32059 (850) 971-5003. Website: www.floridastateparks.org/park/madison-blue-spring From I-10, go north (left) on exit 252 (County Road 255). Cross U.S. 90 at Lee and continue to State Road 6 (about 4 miles). Turn right and proceed 3-4 miles to Madison Blue Spring State Park on the right just before crossing the Withlacoochie River.

Google Map (opens in new window)

Spring Description

The spring forms a circular pool about 75 feet in diameter. Water flows from a large cavern entrance at the south end that lies at the bottom of a steep rocky bluff (about 20 feet high) and is about 25 feet deep. The sandy bottom slopes upward from the cavern entrance to the run on the northeast side of the spring. A constriction of the run from 25 feet to about 15 feet creates a strong flow, and this strength has been increased by the placement of large rocks across the narrowest part of the 150-foot run. The bottom of the run is rocky and sharp. The run flows into the Withlacoochie River in the opposite direction of the river, and the result is a large arc of clear water and swept river-bottom.

Water in the spring is clear and blue, and the temperature in the spring basin was 70 degrees on June 1, 1999. The spring water warms as it merges with the tea-colored waters of the Withlacoochee, which registered 76 degrees on the same date.

Use/Access

Local Springiana

Personal Impressions

On a sunny day when the river is not high, Madison Blue is unrivaled in the intensity of its blue waters. The state purchase of the spring assures that this very beautiful site will be protected and remain open to the public. The purchase was a major conservation acquisition—the 23rd first-magnitude spring (out of the current total of 33) to come into public hands.

Nearby Springs