Located in the Panhandle near the town of Ponce de Leon, Morrison Springs County Park is home to 161 acres of beautiful scenery and a famous swimming hole, Morrison Springs. The springs area features wide boardwalks for viewing the water and a diving deck, and they recently added a boat launch apart from the diving site.
Even though the area has a few modern amenities, the park is mainly set in a rural space that showcases unspoiled Floridian nature at its finest. The springs were privately owned until 2004. The park is owned by the state, operated by Walton County, and is open daily to visitors free of charge.
Second-Magnitude Springs
This second-magnitude spring boasts a large sandy-bottom natural pool about 250 feet wide and about 18 to 25 feet deep in most places. Three cavities in the basin reach at least 300 feet deep and have multiple vents where the water bubbles up from the Earth.
About 50 million gallons of fresh water pump through the springs each day, and while it’s usually crystal-clear, heavy rainfall can make the ordinarily turquoise waters murky. Since the average water temperature is 65-68℉ all year long, swimming in it can feel especially cold during the winter.
Morrison Springs extends to a spring run about 150 feet wide and over half a mile long before emptying into the Choctawhatchee River. Visitors that aren’t getting in the water can explore the area by the quarter of a mile-long wooden boardwalk, which gives walkers an excellent vantage point of the springs and spring run.
The walkway has signage that names local tree species, ends overlooking the main pool, and provides a small path to a floating dock for divers, snorkels, and swimmers. The area is subject to flooding from heavy rainfall, so when planning to visit and get in the water, check the current conditions before heading there.
Scuba Diving, Paddling and Other Activities
These springs are one of the most popular places for freshwater diving, especially since their deepest cavity goes so far into the ground that its final stopping point is unknown. The sparkling clear water is also ideal for swimming and snorkeling in the basin, providing visitors with a fantastic view of life below the surface.
Kayaking and canoeing in the springs and spring run are other popular activities easily accomplished with the boat launch. Paddleboarding is available when swimming conditions are good.
On land, strolling the boardwalk is family-friendly, and there are nearby picnic tables in pavilions with grills for day use. Bathrooms with flushing toilets are located near the swimming area, and there is potable water.
Nearby Camping
Camping on-site at the springs is not allowed, but numerous places are nearby. PDL Campground & RV Park and Holmes Creek Camping & RV Resort are two of the closest options.
Details
Address: 874 Morrison Springs Rd, Ponce De Leon, Florida 32455
Phone: 850-892-8108
Season: Year-round
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Website: co.walton.fl.us/523/Morrison-Springs
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