OPEN FILE REPORT NO. 85


 MADISON COUNTY

 Madison Blue Spring

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ring (photo by T. Scott).


Location Lat. 300 28' 49.6" N, Long. 830 14' 39.7" W (SW 14 SE 1/ SW 14 sec. 17, T. 1 N, R.
11 E). Madison Blue Spring is approximately 10 miles (16 km) east of Madison on the west
bank of the Withlacoochee River. From Madison, drive east on SR 6 to the Withlacoochee
River. Turn south on the west side of the bridge at the park sign. Spring is 525 ft (160 m)
south of the highway.

Description This spring issues on a 450 slant from the bottom of the spring pool. Spring
pool diameter is about 72 ft (22 m) north to south and 82 ft (25 m) northeast to southwest.
Pool depth measures 24 ft (7.3 m). The spring has vertical limestone sidewalls. The 500 ft
(152 m) long spring run flows swiftly into the tannic Withlacoochee River. There was no vis-
ible boil in Oct. 2001. Nearly 100% of the spring bottom and sides is covered with dark green
algae. Sandy high ground surrounds the spring and rises to approximately 20 ft (7 m) above
water level. Mixed hardwoods and pines occur along with numerous dirt pathways.

Utilization Madison Blue Spring is state owned and managed as a county recreational
park with picnic tables, parking lot, and facilities. Swimming and scuba diving occur fre-
quently here. A wooden access platform for scuba diving is located on the north side of the
pool.