Portions of the following information were taken from Florida Geological Survey Bulletin 66.
The Alapha River Rise is approximately 19 miles southeast of Madison on the north side of the Suwannee
River. From the bridge over the Withlacoochee River on SR 6, drive 8.7 miles east and turn south (right)
on CR 751. Drive 3.5 miles to a park and boat launch on the north side of the Suwannee River. The spring
is approximately 0.3 miles upriver to the east on the north side.
Description - The Alapaha River Rise is the re-emergence of a portion of the Alapaha River. The
spring is composed of a single vent at the head of a circular depression. The spring pool measures 75 ft
southeast to northwest and 108 ft north to south. Pool depth is 71 ft. Some algae are present on
submerged limestone substrates. The water is dark and tannic. There is no visible boil; however, the
run flows swiftly to the Suwannee River. The river rise flows south for approximately 900 ft until
reaching the Suwannee River. At low water levels in the Suwannee River, the run from the river rise is
shallow with exposed limestone, making it difficult to take a boat into the rise. This depression has
deeply scalloped vertical limestone sidewalls that are estimated to rise 30 ft above water level. High
ground around the spring is densely forested with pines and oaks.
Utilization - Land around the river rise is privately owned and in pristine condition.