Cypress Spring
Location – Lat. 30° 39’ 31.49” N., Long. 85° 41’ 03.74” W. (SW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 18, T. 3 N., R. 14 W.). Cypress Spring is surrounded by private property approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northeast of Vernon. From the intersection of SR 79 and SR 277 in Vernon turn east then northeast on SR 277. Drive 2.2 miles (3.5 km) to Culpepper Lane. Turn northwest (left) on Culpepper Lane and go 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to Big Pine Lane. Turn northwest (left) and go 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to the boat landing. The spring can be accessed by boat. From the Big Pine Lane boat ramp, Cypress Spring run enters Holmes Creek from the northwest approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) upstream.
Description – The Cypress Spring pool is roughly circular, measuring 114 ft (34.7 m) north to south and 132 ft (40.2 m) east to west. The main vent is near the center of the pool with a depth of 26 ft (7.9 m). At least one other vent is present just 30 ft (9.1 m) downstream. The spring occupies a conical depression, and limestone is exposed over much of the bottom with areas of sand. The water is clear and has a light blue color and a large boil is direct- ly over the vent. There are a few small patches of native aquatic grasses and small amounts of algae. The spring run flows south approximately 1,400 ft (426.7 m) into Holmes Creek. The run is swift-flowing and shallow, averaging approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) deep, and it often is wider than the spring pool. A semicircular berm was constructed around the northern half of Cypress Springs in order to divert the flow of Piney Woods Spring Run downstream of
Cypress Springs’ pool for aesthetic purposes. Before the berm existed, Piney Woods Spring Run entered the northwest side of the spring pool. Now, it enters approximately 30 ft (9.1) below on the west side through a culvert. There are wooden entry platforms for divers and swimmers on the northwest side of the pool. The nearest high ground is 450 ft (137.2 m) to the west and it rises steeply to approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) above the lowlands. A private- ly-owned swimming and diving recreation area including a residence are to the west. Cypress Springs is located within the lowland floodplain of Holmes Creek. The surround- ings are heavily forested with cypress and tupelo. Cave divers report that the cave system reaches depths of at least 65 ft (19.8 m).
Utilization – Previously a private diving/swimming concession, the spring is reportedly in the process of changing ownership in 2004.
