Falmouth Spring USA

Get ready to discover the enchanting Falmouth Spring, located just 10 miles northwest of Live Oak, Florida. Here’s how to find it and what awaits you:

• Region: Florida
• Coordinates: 30.360772, -83.135197
• Depth: 200 ft
• Remarks: Closed
• Type: Cave

Finding Falmouth Spring

To reach Falmouth Spring and immerse yourself in its natural beauty, follow these simple directions:

1. Starting Point: Begin at the intersection of I-10 and US 90, northwest of Live Oak.
2. Northwest Drive: Head northwest on US 90 for approximately 2.9 miles.
3. Entrance to Falmouth Spring Recreation Area: Look for the SRWMD (Suwannee River Water Management District) sign on the left (south) side of the road. Enter the Falmouth Spring Recreation Area.
4. Accessing the Spring: The spring is located to the west of the parking area and can be reached via an interpretive hiking path.

Falmouth Spring Description

Here’s a glimpse of the natural wonders you’ll encounter at Falmouth Spring:

• Karst Window: Falmouth Spring is a karst window, offering a unique geological formation to explore.
• Impressive Dimensions: The pool at the head of the karst window measures an impressive 87 feet from north to south and 81 feet from east to west, with a depth of 39 feet.
• Conical Discharge: Crystal-clear water discharges from a conical depression at the spring’s center.
• Aquatic Beauty: The spring’s bottom consists of sand and limestone, and the water has a greenish tint with tiny suspended algal particles. Thick growth of dark green filamentous algae covers both the bottom and sides.
• Unique Features: During the October 2001 visit, there was no visible boil. Limestone formations are exposed along the sides, adding to the spring’s charm.
• Surrounding Landscape: High sand banks rise steeply along the karst window’s edges, reaching heights of 25 to 30 feet above the water level. The surrounding high ground features a diverse mix of hardwood and pine forest, creating a picturesque backdrop.
• Spring Run: The spring run extends northeast for approximately 450 feet before disappearing into a siphon.
• Exploration Opportunities: On the east side of the karst window, you’ll find a wooden boardwalk leading down to the spring, along with a footpath running along the run. It’s worth noting that Rosenau et al. (1977) reported the existence of an underwater cave in this karst window, offering exciting exploration possibilities.

Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Falmouth Spring, where unique geological features and natural wonders await your discovery.

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