Pottsburg Creek Spring is a small third-magnitude spring located in Duval County within the Pottsburg Creek watershed in Jacksonville. Unlike Florida’s well-known swimming springs, this spring emerges in a marshy, wooded setting and is not developed for recreation.

The spring vent reportedly discharges from beneath a tangle of tree roots along the bank, forming a small pool roughly 4 feet in diameter. The water is typically murky and has a noticeable sulfur odor. From the vent, the spring flow travels about one-third of a mile through wetlands before entering Pottsburg Creek.

The closest boat ramp to the spring is Pottsburg Creek/Beach Boulevard Boat Ramp. The Florida Paddling Trails Association recommends putting in at Arlington Road Boat Ramp and getting out at Pottsburg Creek Boat Ramp.

Because of its small size, swampy surroundings, and water quality, this spring is primarily of hydrologic interest rather than a place people visit directly.

Paddling in the Pottsburg Creek Area

While Pottsburg Creek Spring itself is not a recreation site, Pottsburg Creek and the surrounding waterways are popular with local paddlers. The creek flows through a mix of wooded corridors and residential areas before eventually connecting with the Arlington River and the St. Johns River.

Paddling routes in this area offer a surprisingly scenic, sheltered experience within the Jacksonville metro region. Conditions vary with tides and water levels, and currents can be stronger near connections to the St. Johns River. This is generally considered a better area for kayaking and canoeing than for swimming.

More Links:

• • Paddling guide
  • Florida Kayaker Community Facebook Post