Columbia Spring

Description – Columbia Spring has an oval-shaped pool that measures 75 ft (23 m) north to south and 150 ft (45.7 m) east to west.

The depth at the vent is 25 ft (7.6 m). Water is typically clear, but was tannic in October 2001. It has a 30 ft (9.1 m) wide spring run that flows approximately 600 ft (182.9 m) westward to the Santa Fe River.

There are native aquatic grasses in the spring run and some algae are present on most substrates. The spring run has a jagged limestone and sand bottom.

There is a 1-2 ft (0.3 – 0.6 m) tall man- made line of rocks that stretches across the spring run about 90 ft (27.4 m) west of the vent.

The entire spring and spring run are within the lowland flood plain of the Santa Fe River. The flood plain in this area is heavily forested with cypress and other swamp inhabiting hardwoods.

The nearest high ground is approximately 600 ft (182.9 m) east of the spring, and it rises to nearly 10 ft (3 m) above the flood plain. It is generally forested with mixed hardwoods and pines. A house sits on the high ground to the east of the spring.

Utilization – The land surrounding the spring is privately owned. The spring is a local swimming hole with pristine surroundings.

Location – Lat. 29° 51’ 14.80” N., Long. 82° 36’ 43.03” W. (NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 28, T. 7 S., R. 17 E.).

Columbia Spring is located 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of High Springs on the Santa Fe River and can be accessed by small boat.

From the junction of US 441/41 and CR 236 in High Springs, drive north on US 441/41 approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km). Turn west (left) at public access boat sign just before the Santa Fe River. Spring is in a cove on the northeast bank of the river, 900 ft (274.3 m) downstream from the boat ramp.