We left Tallahassee for an appointment in Gainesville today. Instead of taking the Freeways, we drove across "Old Florida" on US 27, and stopped at Little River Spring for a quick swim in the fresh cold water. This is one of Florida's most scenic and beautiful freshwater springs. According to the Florida Geological Survey, this 2nd Magnitude Spring produces 85 cubic feet of water per second - at a comfortable 69 degrees!
Little River Spring at this time of year is perfect. The depth is low; you can wade right up to the edge. The pool above the cave is about 8 feet deep. Most of the algae is gone, thanks to the crowds of people that came in the summer. You are looking at a white sandy bottom, lots of fish, and a nice clean run out to the Suwannee River.
Yes, that is Fred under the water!
According to the See North Florida Website:
"This spring is quite interesting. Although the actual pool is small, there is a vent that leads to an extensive cave system... you have over 1,200 feet of caves reaching depths over 100 feet. The outflow spills into the Suwannee via a small river, hence the name, Little River Springs. Where the river pours into the Suwannee there are a set of rocks creating rapids. A good snorkel and pretty scenery to enjoy. Excellent dive if you are cave certified."
From the Florida Geological Survey and DEP Website
More about our Visit Today:
I am a Certified Open Water Diver, but not Cave Certified, so I left the tanks and gear in the car trunk. A mask and snorkel were more than sufficient to enjoy the Spring.
There were very few people at the Spring today. Some construction guys on a break were leaning over the rail. A Dive Instructor was giving instructions to 2 divers who had their equipment laid out on the tailgate of a pickup truck. A middle-aged couple was sunning on some lawn chairs.
The construction workers left, the couple left. It was just Surekha and me. We had this entire Spring to ourselves!
From Suwannee Parks and Recreation Website:
The spring run is approximately 150 feet long with a cave system that is more than 1,200 feet long. The 125 acres allow for nature walks and a wide variety of wildlife including deer, squirrel and numerous birds.
Little River Spring is a very pleasant place. Admission is FREE. The water is incredibly refreshing (you are swimming in bottled water; it is that pure). Next time you are in Florida, remember that we have dozens of freshwater springs. Swim, wade, dive, or just relax in the Florida Sunshine.
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