Cool off on a hot summer day at Morrison Springs
Walton County Park offers spectacular scenery both above and below the water line
Walton County offers many places to explore. In the summertime, the
one that can’t be beat is Morrison Springs in the Northeastern part of
the county.
Just south of Ponce De Leon, the 161-acre park is well known in the
area, and popular with divers and nature enthusiasts across the south.
Cypress trees abound around the spring with their crisp, bright green
needles defining the landscape. The spring provides an aqua color
inviting everyone in for a dip.
The highlight of the park is a 250-foot diameter spring pool that
produces an estimated 48 million gallons of crystal clear water each
day and has been recorded to produce up to 70 million gallons a day.
Three cavities allow Morrison’s frigid waters to surface from the
underground aquifer. The deepest of these cavities, at approximately
300 foot in depth, eventually terminates in an underground chamber of
unknown dimensions.
Recently completed renovations include approximately 575 linear ft.
of boardwalks meandering through the ancient cypress trees, and span
into the springs to a diver’s launching area, with a 10×10 ft. 9,000
lb. floating concrete platform.
Restroom facilities, a pavilion with picnic area, wash stations,
showers and handicap access are available at the park now, offering it
the perfect family destination.
There are 72 parking spaces at the entrance to the park, which
include 10 bus and 4 handicap spaces. There are 24 boat/trailer spaces
located at the boat ramp.
The park was acquired by the state in 2004 and its management is now
entrusted to Walton County for 99 years. The project is also part of
the ‘DEP Springs Initiative;’ a comprehensive protection effort which
provides funding for springs restoration throughout the state of
Florida.
Directions
Morrison Springs is located in the most southeastern part of Ponce
deLeon just inside the Walton County line. From Freeport, take State
Road 20 east to State Road 81 and go north past Red Bay to County
Highway 181C. Turn right and continue 1.6 miles. Turn a right on
Morrison Springs Road.
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Fees: None
For more fun outdoor activities in the Walton County Florida area, go to http://www.waltonoutdoors.com
For video, go to: http://www.waltonoutdoors.com/cool-off-on-a-hot-summer-day-at-morrison-springs/
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