FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY


Wakulla Spring


Figure 76. Wakulla Spring (photo by T. Scott).


Location Lat. 300 14' 06.6" N, Long. 84 18' 09.2" W (SW 1/ NW 1/ SE 14 sec. 11, T. 3 S, R.
1 W). Wakulla Spring is about 13.5 miles (5.6 km) south of Tallahassee. From the inter-
section of SR267, drive southeast 1 mile (1.8 km) on SR 61 to the entrance of Wakulla
Springs State Park. Spring vent is located below diving platform, northeast of the parking
area.

Description Wakulla Spring is one of the largest and most dramatic of Florida's springs.
Spring pool is roughly circular with a diameter of 315 ft (96 m) north to south. Pool depth
is 185 ft (56.4 m). The vent opening is a horizontal ellipse along the south side of the pool
bottom and is estimated to measure 50 ft by 82 ft (15 m by 25 m). Along with a few small-
er springs nearby, including Sally Ward Spring, Wakulla Spring gives rise to the clear
Wakulla River. Water clarity of the spring in October 2001 was exceptional and colored
bluish. Hydrilla once covered much of the spring pool and adjacent river bottom, but divers
have recently removed large amounts. The Wakulla River remains choked with this exotic
invasive plant species. Many other aquatic and emergent plant species also are present in
the spring pool and river. A mixed hardwood, cabbage palm, and cypress forest inhabits low-
lands along the north and east shores of the spring and along the river. Uplands along the
western shore of the spring are developed into a state park lodge and facilities. Also, there
are hardwoods and large loblolly pines scattered about.