Copper Spring (Old Town Springs)

Summary

Copper Spring is a second-magnitude spring located along the west bank of the Suwannee River about one mile north of Old Town in Dixie County. The spring system includes three separate vents and is situated on private property, meaning it is not open to public access from land.

While the spring run can be seen from the river, visitors should remain in the main channel and respect private property boundaries.

Spring Characteristics

The largest vent, known as Spring No. 2, forms a roughly oval pool measuring 126 feet by 84 feet (about 0.24 acres). A visible boil marks a vent approximately 5.3 feet deep along the north side of the pool. The water is described as clear to slightly turbid with a bluish-green tint.

Unlike many of Florida’s bright blue limestone springs, Copper Spring is known for its coppery coloration. This hue is caused by iron-rich groundwater and low dissolved oxygen, which allow iron deposits to coat vegetation and tree roots along the spring edges.

The spring bottom consists of soft sand and silt, and the spring run flows about 500 feet before entering the dark waters of the Suwannee River.

Additional Vents

Two smaller vents lie northeast of the main pool.

Spring No. 1 is a circular vent about 34 feet in diameter with a reported maximum depth of 28 feet.

Spring No. 3 is less documented but part of the same clustered spring system.

Access Information

Copper Spring is surrounded by private property. Although paddlers may notice the spring basin and run from the river, entering the spring or landing along the banks is not permitted without landowner permission. This spring is best appreciated as a riverside natural feature visible from the water rather than a swimming or landing destination.

Photo: State of Florida, photo by R. Means, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons