Palm Springs is only one of Lake County's 36 freshwater springs. For general spring information or to view a list of all springs, please visit the Lake County Springs page.
This waterbody is located within: Wekiva River Watershed
All waterbody characteristics Spring Characteristics
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Location
Palm Springs is located in the Seminole State Forest, about 3.8 miles south-southeast of Cassia.
Description
Palm Springs is a fourth-magnitude spring flowing from up to 7 vents or sand boils that flow from different points into one run. The run has a sand bottom covered in a thin layer of dark brown mud and various colored algae. Water is clear and there are white, sulfur-reducing bacteria surrounding the entire area. The spring has a strong hydrogen sulfide odor.
The upper 4 vents are labeled A, B, C, and D. The upper Vent A is in a small pool that is closest to the road at the bottom of the ravine. Vent B is in the upper middle part of the run, Vent C is in the lower middle part, and Vent D is in the lower part of the run. These multiple boils form a run that is 4.5 feet wide, 0.3 feet deep, and flows east for 0.3 miles into Blackwater Creek.
For decades this spring was dammed into a lake. However, in April 2003 the dam was removed and the once-submerged terrain was exposed. As the ecology in the area has evolved, new grass and shrubs are now growing in the area that was once underwater. The surrounding land is a dense forest filled with an array of trees, including sweet gums and palms. High ground rises 6 feet above the spring.
Utilization
The spring and the area around it are undeveloped and access may be difficult.
The Seminole State Forest offers many recreational opportunities for either the outdoor enthusiast or casual visitor. Parking is available at the Cassia Trailhead off of Brantley Branch Road via SR 44 and at the Bear Pond Trailhead off of SR 46. A State Forest Use Permit is required for drive-in access. Permits can be obtained by telephoning or visiting Lake Forestry Station. For more information, visit the Seminole State Forest's website, link below.
Contact Information
Lake Forestry Station
Seminole State Forest
9610 County Road 44
Leesburg, FL 34788
(352) 360-6675 Office
Seminole State Forest website
Associated Water Resources
The following water resources are directly related to this spring:
- Blackwater Creek – Receiving Waterbody
This waterbody is located within: Wekiva River Watershed