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

Newport Spring

Wakulla County

Summary of Features

  • Scale-2nd magnitude 
  • Scenery-poor 
  • How Pristine?-remnant of manmade pool around spring; land cleared near
  • spring, dam 
  • Swimming-more like wading 
  • Protection-little 
  • Crowds-occupied on warm weekends 
  • Access-good 
  • Facilities-none 
  • Safety-fair-good 
  • Scuba-no 
  • Cost-free 

Directions

From downtown Tallahassee, go south on Monroe Street which becomes State Road 363 or Woodville Highway. Turn left on State Road 267. After four miles, turn left on U.S. 98. Turn left on dirt road just at Outz's Oyster Bar (7968 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327), just before the bridge over the St. Marks River. The spring is at small bridge 0.9 miles north.

Spring Description

Newport Spring emanates from beneath the bridge and flows 0.3 miles to the St. Marks River. The spring pool is formed by the remains of an old wooden dam and flume and is approximately 40 by 100 feet. Water depth is up to 5 feet.   The water is clear and has a pronounced sulfurous smell. A ramshackle house sits adjacent to the spring.

Use/Access

Local Springiana

Personal Impressions

While a pretty little spot, the spring has only a small area that might be used for swimming and the land around it is has been clear-cut. The odor of the sulfur in the water takes some getting used to. JF’s children held their noses, complained loudly, and refused to get into the water when they visited. The site is popular with locals, who give strangers unfriendly looks. It is very difficult to conceive that this site was once a toney spa.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features

Contact Information