Mearson Spring
Lafayette County
Summary of Features
- Scale -2nd magnitude
- Scenery -excellent
- How Pristine? -unspoiled; steps to spring
- Swimming -very good, excellent snorkeling
- Protection -unknown/private
- Crowds -some on warm weekends
- Access -very good, boat only, make no landfall
- Facilities -none
- Safety -good
- Scuba -yes
- Cost -free
Directions
From Mayo, drive east and south on U.S. 27 about five miles. Turn left onto CR 251 and go about two miles to where it dead-ends at a boat ramp on the Suwannee River. The spring is on the right bank ½-1 mile downstream.
Spring Description
The spring is on the riverbank and forms a semicircular pool about 50 feet in diameter. Water in the spring is clear and blue except in times of high river flows. On dates of visit in 1997 and 1998, the spring had 2-3 powerful boils from large limestone openings beneath the surface. The depth in the pool was only a few feet except over the vents, at which it was about 15 feet deep. The spring is against the bank, which rises up 20-25 feet around it, framing the pool.
Use/Access
- Rickety wooden steps lead down to the water.
- The land around the spring is posted private property.
- As at nearby Little River Spring, you can walk up the short, shallow run from the river to a ledge that drops off sharply with a cave underneath. Some big logs lie in the run.
- From the road, the land surrounding the spring appears to be managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District. Apparently, however, the land immediately encompassing the spring is privately owned.
- The spring is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Personal Impressions
The spring's powerful flow keeps the water clear and blue even when the adjoining Suwannee River is higher than normal. On a visit in 1997, when the Suwannee River was about 6 feet above normal, the vent over the spring was still clear and blue.
Nearby Springs
- Suwannee Blue
- Royal
- Bathtub
- Convict
- Owens
- Troy
- Ruth
- Little River
- Sulfur
- Shingle
- Branford
- Cow
- Running
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Suwannee River State Park
- Itchetucknee River State Park