Ellaville Spring

Summary

Ellaville Spring, also known as Edwards Spring, is a Suwannee River spring near Ellaville, Florida, close to the confluence of the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers. The spring is located near U.S. 90 and Suwannee River State Park, but appears to be on private or restricted-access land.

The spring is best known for its underwater cave system. Cave-diving sources describe Edwards Spring as a deep, advanced river cave connected beneath the Suwannee River to Suwanacoochee Spring. Florida park planning documents also identify Ellaville Spring as an important karst feature associated with Suwannee River State Park’s spring and cave systems.

Cave Diving

Ellaville/Edwards Spring is primarily notable as an advanced cave-diving site. The Edwards cave system is connected to Suwanacoochee Spring beneath the Suwannee River, and cave-diving reports describe a traverse that passes beneath two rivers and through three counties.

This is not a casual dive site. The cave has been described as deep, high-flow, and technically challenging, with limited visibility and difficult access conditions. Only properly trained, equipped, and authorized cave divers should consider entering the system.

Recreation and Access

Although older guidebook descriptions mention swimming, snorkeling, and access from near U.S. 90, current access appears to be private or restricted. The spring is near Suwannee River State Park, but it should not be assumed to be part of the public park access area.

For most visitors, the practical recreation value is nearby rather than at the spring itself. Suwannee River State Park offers river access, hiking, paddling, historic features, and views of the Suwannee–Withlacoochee confluence.

Natural Setting

Ellaville Spring emerges along the Suwannee River in a limestone karst landscape. The surrounding region includes sinkholes, springs, karst windows, and underwater cave systems connected to the Upper Floridan aquifer. Suwannee River State Park documents Ellaville Spring as part of a spring cluster with Suwanacoochee Spring.

History

The Ellaville area has a long history as a river crossing and settlement near the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers. Cave-diving sources note that the Edwards name honors Sheck Exley’s brother, Edward, while the older place name Ellaville remains commonly used for the spring and surrounding area.