Little Salt Spring USA

Little Salt Spring, nestled just 3 miles northwest of Weeki Wachee, is a remarkable geological wonder that awaits your exploration. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find and appreciate this unique natural attraction.

• Region: Florida
• Coordinates: 28.546181, -82.619366
• Depth: 240 ft
• Remarks: Hernando Salt, Salt Spring 2, SWFWMD Owned – Permit Required
• Type: Cave

Getting There

To reach Little Salt Spring, follow these straightforward directions:

1. Starting Point: Begin at the intersection of US 19 with SR 50 and SR 550 in Weeki Wachee.
2. Heading West: Head west on SR 50/550, also known as Cortez Boulevard, for approximately 3.4 miles.
3. Intersection with SR 595: When you reach the intersection with SR 595, continue straight west for an additional 0.2 miles, following the road.
4. Arrival: You’ll find Little Salt Spring on the left (south) side of SR 50/550, just 200 feet from the road.

Spring Description

Little Salt Spring, also known as Hernando Salt Spring, stands as the head of Salt Creek, offering a fascinating natural spectacle:

• Circular Spring Pool: The spring features a circular pool with a diameter of 60 feet.
• Impressive Depth: Plummeting to a depth of 46.5 feet, the spring emerges from a cavern within the limestone.
• Underwater Terrain: The exposed limestone within the spring has a soft, chalky texture, while most of the substrates are covered in thick iron-reducing bacterial mats and algae.
• Multiple Vents: Apart from the primary vent, a smaller one can be found at the north end of the pool.
• Water Clarity: The saline water possesses a captivating blue-greenish hue with slight murkiness.
• Logs and Relics: Submerged logs, including one with remnants of an old platform, can be spotted within the spring pool.
• Tidal Influence: Little Salt Spring experiences tidal influence, causing fluctuations in the size of the boil at its center.
• Spring Run: The spring run flows southwest for approximately 1 mile into Mud River, measuring around 30 feet in width and 4 feet in depth.
• Surrounding Landscape: The land surrounding Hernando Salt Spring consists of low-lying areas, surrounded by a subtropical hardwood and palm hammock.

Underwater Caves

Little Salt Spring is not only renowned for its surface beauty but also harbors an intriguing underwater cave system, with depths within the cave reaching up to 170 feet.

Access and Utilization

It’s essential to note that Little Salt Spring remains undeveloped and is encircled by privately owned lands, preserving its natural charm and pristine environment.

As you embark on your journey to Little Salt Spring, remember to respect the privacy of the landowners and cherish the unique wonder that nature has crafted in this corner of Florida.

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