Portions of the following information were taken from Florida Geological Survey Bulletin 66.
Running Springs is located on private land, 4.3 miles northeast of Mayo. From Mayo, drive 3.3 miles
north on SR 51 to the boat ramp. The spring runs flow in from the northeast side of the Suwannee River,
4.3 miles downstream (east) from the boat ramp on SR 51.
Description - Running Springs consist of a pair of separate spring areas (East Running Springs
and West Running Springs) that discharge from small cavities at the base of an approximately 20 ft high
limestone bank on the northeastern side of the Suwannee River. The two springs occur in depressions in
the river bank that are separated by approximately 150 ft. East Running Springs was sampled for water
quality and was approximately 2 ft above the adjacent Suwannee River during the March 2002 visit. The
spring pool is oblong and measures 70 ft north to south and 50 ft east to west. Its depth ranges from
2 to 6 ft. The pool bottom is sand and limestone. The water is clear and bluish. There is no aquatic
vegetation, and algae occur on portions of the sand and limestone substrates. It has a short
southwestward flowing run that is approximately 25 ft long. The run cascades over a 2 ft high limestone
ledge into the river. East Running Springs has multiple boils within the northeast end of the pool. There
are several spring rivulets emerging from the base of the high banks into the northeast end of the pool.
There is another spring located in the Suwannee River that creates a prominent boil along the riverbank
just 15 ft upstream of the mouth of East Running Springs. Divers report this spring to be connected to
the East Running Springs run through an underwater cavern. West Running Springs is smaller and has a run
that is approximately 150 ft long. The run flows southwestward under a small land bridge then into the river.
Rosenau et al. (1977) report steep limestone walls, natural limestone bridges and numerous vents at these
springs. The high ground above Running Springs harbors a mixed hardwood and pine forest with some private
landscaping intended to reduce erosion.
Utilization - The springs are undeveloped and on private property. Land access was recently closed by
new landowners who are restoring the natural condition of the uplands surrounding the springs.