Ultimate Guide to Morrison Springs, Florida (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Morrison Springs Park is a beautiful, but small 161-acre park. It is a 2nd magnitude spring that gushes about 50 million gallons of water. Combined with the cypress roots surfacing in the spring water, these clear waters make it a popular diving destination in Florida.
The park’s most striking feature is the 250 ft diameter spring pool that produces an estimated 50 million gallons of crystal-clear waters every day and, at one point in time, it used to produce 70 million gallons a day. The spring flow has decreased a lot due to an increase in the state’s population. An increase in groundwater extraction has led to a subsequent decrease in the spring flow, which is sad.
History of Morrison Springs
Morrison Springs is one of the 13 springs that flow into the Choctawhatchee River Basin. It is a large spring with a sandy bottom surrounded by old-growth cypress. Historically, Morrison Springs was always privately owned, and it was a swimming hole for the locals.
In 2004, Florida purchased the land that had the spring in the Choctawhatchee River floodplain. They leased the land to Walton County for 99 years. The county built a 161-acre park with a picnic pavilion, a boardwalk accessible by wheelchair, and restroom facilities. There is a downstream boat ramp that gives access to the river.
Geological Cave Formations
In this region, limestone has formed a rocky barrier between the ground and the aquifer. Chemical reactions with the limestone have allowed the formation of large and long caves within the rock itself. When the groundwater is forced up in areas, it gives the visitors access to both the underground cave network and the spring water.
Wildlife
Morrison Spring has an abundance of fish and plant life. The fishes include largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, sunfish, warmouth, black crappie, and redbreast sunfish. There have been sightings of alligators, manatees, and turtles in winter.
Is Morrison Springs Haunted?
Morrison Springs is one of the largest springs in the area and is frequented by visitors. It is not at all haunted.
How Big is Morrison Springs?
The largest cavern at the springs is about 300 ft deep.
Morrison Springs Tours
The Morrison Springs Park is known for its extensive underwater cave system with sand-bottomed springs and three underwater cavities that go as deep as 300 ft. Unfortunately, the springs earned a bad name for the high number of casualties. For this, the county’s sheriff had the 100 ft deep archway blasted away in 1968.
Today when you enter the spring center, you will come across two caverns that are suitable for recreational divers. The larger cavern starts at 30 ft deep and has a large tree trunk. The smaller caverns start at 40 ft deep and are 40 ft in length. The cave is full of eels and other species like pike, catfish, and bream. Divers have reported that the visibility is low and murky, but it does get better within the caves.
Tour Prices and Discounts
There are no entrance fees.
Is Morrison Springs Cold?
The water is fed from the cave at the bottom and remains constant 72 degrees F throughout the year.
What to Wear?
What you pack would depend a lot on the kind of activities that you want to do once you arrive at Morrison Springs. But there are a few items that every visitor should bring. These are sunscreen, protective sun gear, swimwear, water shoes, towels, and extra change of clothes.
Morrison Springs Hours
The park opens daily at sunrise and closes at sunset.
What to Do at Morrison Springs (Beside Tours)
The deep, clear waters are an ideal destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy a short picnic with their family members at the picnic pavilion and use the restroom facilities when required.
Visitors can also do other fun activities like bird watching, nature walks, and photography. There is also canoe access at the boat ramp built downstream of the spring to avoid the swimmers.
Many visitors inquire about hiking, but there is no marked hiking trail. But one can ramble down from the parking area to the boardwalks. The boardwalk would allow you to peer out between the cypress trees and view the aquamarine waters of the spring run.
Best Time to Visit
The summer is the most popular time to visit Morrison Springs. People love taking a swim at this time of the year, and the view of the springs is also excellent.
How to Get to Morrison Springs
If you are coming from I-10, you need to take Exit # 96 and get on Highway 81. Go in the south direction for about 6 miles. Then you need to turn left onto Highway 181-A. From here, drive for 1.5 miles and then turn right on Morrison Springs Road and follow it till the end.
Hotels Nearby
There are many decent hotels nearby where you can put for the night, such as Ponce de Leon Motel, which is just 6 km from the site. The Best Western Crossroads Inn is another good option, but it is a bit far from here.
Morrison Springs Fun Facts
- In 2010, Morrison Springs was ranked as one of the cleanest in Florida.
- It was privately owned till 2004, after which the Walton County bought it over.
- It gushes 50 million gallons of water every day.
- The park is susceptible to flooding and variable river conditions.
Morrison Springs Details
- Length: The largest cavern is about 300 ft deep.
- Time Recommended: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Kid-friendly: No
- Dog-friendly: Allowed with restrictions
- Fees: None
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Visiting Morrison Springs
Do you need more information before visiting? Call (850) 892-8108 for an information packet.
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