Steinhatchee Spring
Lafayette County
Summary of Features
- Scale - 4th magnitude
- Scenery - very good
- How Pristine? - spring enclosed in brick structure in small park
- Swimming - no
- Protection - very good
- Crowds - small to none
- Access -
- Facilities - fair
- Safety - good
- Scuba - no
- Cost - free
Directions
From the intersection of U.S. 19/98/27A and State Road 51, drive north on SR 51 for 3.9 miles. Turn right (east) onto well-graded dirt road and drive about ½ mile. After crossing the Steinhatchee River, turn left (north) onto first road. Drive 0.8 miles past several houses. Take left at fork and the spring will be on the left.
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
Steinhatchee Spring is in a two-section brick enclosure in a small park along the Steinhatchee River. Water flows from a limestone opening at the bottom of a cylindrical brick enclosure that is about 5 feet high and three feet in diameter. Water flows through openings in this enclosure into a small square brick pool that is about 6 feet across and four feet deep. A drain at the bottom of the pool allows the spring to exit and flow into the Steinhatchee River 15 feet away. On date of visit (February 2001), the flow was very low—about the amount of a running faucet on high.
The water has a strong sulfur odor and left white deposits along its short run to the Steinhatchee River. There is also algae along the run and in the brick enclosure.
Use/Access
- The spring and its enclosure are set in a 1.5 acre public park along the winding Steinhatchee River. There are two picnic benches in the park, which is well-maintained.
- In times of normal water heights, one could probably canoe the Steinhatchee from this point south to where the river goes underground.
Personal Impressions
Steinhatchee is an attractive little spring and park and worth the 5-minute detour off the highway to see it. Nearby Springs
Nearby Springs
- TAY76992
- Steinhatchee Rise
- TAY625993
- Eva Spring
- Bradley Spring
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Steinhatchee Falls
- Econfina River State Park
- Wacissa River/Slave Canal
- Wakulla Springs State Park
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge