Ebro Blue USA

Uncover the natural beauty of Washington Blue Spring Choctawhatchee, nestled amid private lands in Ebro, Florida. Here’s how to reach this hidden gem:

• Region: Florida
• Coordinates: 30.5134, -85.84652
• Depth:
• Remarks: Washington Blue
• Type: Cave, Cavern

Accessing Washington Blue Spring Choctawhatchee

To reach Washington Blue Spring Choctawhatchee and explore its pristine surroundings, follow these easy directions:

1. Starting Point: Begin at the intersection of I-10 and SR 79.
2. Southbound Drive: Head south on SR 79 for approximately 17.5 miles until you reach New Hope.
3. Turn West onto CR 284: At the intersection of SR 79 and CR 284 in New Hope, turn west (right) onto CR 284.
4. South onto CR 284A: Travel 3.8 miles on CR 284, then make a left turn (south) onto CR 284A.
5. Boat Ramp on Holmes Creek: Continue on CR 284A for 3.6 miles until you arrive at a boat ramp on Holmes Creek.
6. Boat Ride to the Spring: From the boat landing, embark on a downriver journey of approximately 3.5 miles until you reach the confluence with the Choctawhatchee River. Washington Blue Spring Choctawhatchee is located 0.9 miles upstream from this confluence.

Washington Blue Spring Choctawhatchee Description

Delve into the wonders of Washington Blue Spring Choctawhatchee:

• Circular Spring Pool: The spring pool takes on a nearly circular shape, measuring an impressive 111 feet in diameter from north to south. Water gushes from a cavity situated near the pool’s center, flowing from beneath a limestone ledge characterized by prominent bedding planes. The limestone itself is soft and chalky.
• Depth and Water Quality: The depth near the vent reaches approximately 22 feet, and the water is renowned for its clear, bluish hue, accompanied by a large surface boil.
• Aquatic Beauty: Aquatic plants grace the spring pool’s waters, enhancing its natural charm.
• Surrounding Landscape: On the south side of the pool, elevated terrain rises steeply, reaching about 20 feet above the water’s surface. Here, you’ll encounter a bluff face adorned with limestone and clay outcrops, set against a backdrop of mixed pine and hardwood forest.
• Changing Landscape: The landscape surrounding the spring has evolved over time. The Choctawhatchee River has shifted eastward, altering the course of lower Holmes Creek and expanding its reach.
• Historical Remnants: Along the spring run, you’ll encounter intriguing historical remnants, including deadhead logs, old docks, and vessel remains from the turn-of-the-19th-century logging industry.
• Flora and Fauna: Exotic aquatic vegetation thrives in the spring run, and apple snails are commonly found.
• Potential Additional Springs: There may be additional springs downstream where the run widens, featuring deep circular pools. However, these pools showed no visible flow during observations in August 2002. Reports also suggest a spring approximately 0.25 miles north of the spring run within Mill Lake, with flow entering the spring run from the north, 0.4 miles downstream from Washington Blue Spring Choctawhatchee.
• Natural Setting: The spring and its run are nestled within the lowland floodplain of the Choctawhatchee River, showcasing a mature cypress and tupelo forest.

Utilization and Accessibility

Washington Blue Spring Choctawhatchee remains in its natural state, surrounded by private land. It is a local favorite for swimming and an untouched oasis of tranquility.

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