OPEN FILE REPORT NO. 85


HAMILTON COUNTY

 Alapaha River Rise


Figure 35. Alapaha River Rise (photo by T. Scott).


Location Lat. 300 26' 20.3" N, Long. 830 05' 22.4" W (NW 1 SW 1 SE 14 sec. 35, T. 1 N, R.
12 E). The river rise is approximately 19 miles (31 km) southeast of Madison on the north
side of the Suwannee River. Drive 8.7 miles (14 km) east of the Withlacoochee River on SR
6. Turn south and drive 2.8 miles (4.5 km), then 1 mi (1.6 km) east across the Alapaha River
and 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of a park and boat launching area on the Suwannee River.
The spring is approximately .3 miles (.5 km) east.

Description The Alapaha River Rise is the re-emergence of the underground Alapaha
River. The river, issuing out of the spring vent, flows south for approximately 900 ft (274
m) until reaching the Suwannee River. The spring is composed of a single vent at the head
of a circular depression, and the water is stained dark by tannins. The spring pool meas-
ures 75 ft (23 m) southeast to northwest and 108 ft (33 m) north to south. Pool depth is 71
ft (21.6 m). Some algae are present on submerged rocky substrates. There is no visible boil,
however, the issuing river flows swiftly to the Suwannee River. This depression has deeply
scalloped vertical limestone sidewalls that are estimated to rise 30 ft (9 m) above water
level. High ground around the spring is densely forested with pines and oaks.

Utilization Land around the river rise is state owned and in pristine condition.