Sulfur (or Forest) Spring
Putnam County
Summary of Features
- Scale -4th magnitude
- Scenery - fine
- How Pristine? - near path, otherwise completely pristine
- Swimming - no
- Protection - excellent
- Crowds - none
- Access - good
- Facilities - none
- Safety - very good
- Scuba - no
- Cost - free
Directions
From intersection of Highways 309 and 308B in Welaka (Putnam County), go south on Highway 309 for 1.5 miles to entrance to Mud Spring trailhead on the west (right) side of the road. Walk about ¼ on Mud Spring trail until trail crosses a wide sand road. Turn left and continue about another 0.4 mile to springs on the left at sign.
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
JF only found one of the springs at this site. The spring forms a shallow oval pool with dimensions of about 4 by 12 feet. There was one visible vent - a small hole in the bottom at a depth of about 18 inches. The rest of the pool was about one foot deep. The vent forms a visible boil on the surface, and the water is clear and has a sulfur smell. Flow from the spring forms a creek the same width as the spring that flows alongside and then under the sandy road thence about ¾ mile to Lake George. The area around the spring is forested and low.
Use/Access
- The spring is located within the Welaka State Forest and is accessible from the main trailhead for Mud Springs.
- There is no apparent utilization of the spring.
- The trail and spring area with infested with mosquitoes and biting flies when JF visited in summer 2001.
Personal Impressions
Biting insects prevented JF from conducting a more thorough reconnaissance of the area. The spring itself is not much to look at - just a little wet spot that forms a creek along the sandy road.
Nearby Springs
- Alexander Springs
- Fern Hammock Springs
- Juniper Springs
- Sweetwater Spring
- Silver Glen Springs
- Silver Springs
- DeLeon Spring
- Orange Spring
- Mud Spring
- Satsuma Spring
- Beecher Spring
- Salt Springs
- Welaka Spring
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge
- Welaka State Forest
- Tiger Bay State Forest
- Withlacoochie State Forest
- Ocala National Forest