Telford Springs
| Site Info | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cave |
| Coordinates | 30.106811, -83.165534 |
| Region | Suwannee River Basin |
| Access | Shore |
| Depth range | 30-100 |
Located a short distance away from Peacock Springs, Telford Springs is a freshwater spring on the banks of the Suwannee River. It is the primary discharge (and entry) point of a massive cave system with nearly 10 miles of surveyed passage as of 2024.
This is a cave diving site with moderately challenging access; those without cave training are unlikely to find any worthwhile diving here.
Details[edit | edit source]
Telford Spring is situated along the east side of the Suwannee River at the head of a cove surrounded by steep sandy banks. The spring emerges from two caves within scalloped limestone whose passages connect underneath a 5 ft (1.5 m) by 7 ft (2.1 m) wide natural limestone bridge. The natural bridge over the spring was about 1 ft (0.3 m) higher than water level in April 2002. The main pool measures 66 ft (20.1 m) north to south and 51 ft (15.5 m) east to west and has a prominent boil. The maximum depth of the spring pool is 11.3 ft (3.4 m) over the vent. The spring and its run have a sand and limestone bottom. The water color is greenish and clear. Algae are sparse and there is virtually no aquatic vegetation. The short, shallow, 1 ft (0.3 m), spring run flows approximately 75 ft (22.9 m) into the dark, tannic waters of the Suwannee River. Land on the 12-15 ft (3.7-4.6 m) high, eroded banks supports a dense mixed hardwood/pine forest and there is a large unpaved parking area around the perimeter of the spring pool. A sinkhole with a clear water pool is located 150 ft (45.7 m) north of the spring across the sand access road. Spring water levels are directly tied to Suwannee River fluctuations.
Conditions are highly variable. Flow ranges from low to moderately high, visibility from undiveable to good. For up to date conditions, it is best to check various Facebook groups or to call Dive Outpost; see Facilities.
System Maps[edit | edit source]
The most recent survey is here: https://earth.google.com/web/data=MkEKPwo9CiExTU5DeXBuSW9haklZZmhXdm5EQloxNnpZSEUzWkRwT18SFgoUMEVFQTgyMDQ5OTJGMkIzMEFBMzEgAUICCABKCAjQw7WdARAB
All associated data files are here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Vb77pslKDT1Ms_xo1Id1MVvZ1uh6SZbz
Access[edit | edit source]
From the Florida Geological Survey Bulletin 66:
Telford Spring is located on the west bank of the Suwannee River, 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Mayo. The spring is surrounded by private land but was open to the public in April 2002. From the intersection of US 27 and SR 51 in Mayo, drive north on SR 51 for 4.8 miles (7.7 km), crossing over the Suwannee River, and turn east (right) at the flashing lights at Luraville Road in Luraville. From Luraville, turn south (right) onto the first graded road and travel 0.9 miles (1.5 km) to a fork in the road, just before the river. At the fork, turn right and travel 0.1 miles (0.2 km) to the spring. The left fork leads to the boat launching ramp.
Alternatively, if you own a smartphone, navigate here.
Diver access to Telford is moderately challenging. Start by going down the Telford Spring Boat Ramp access road. At the end of the road there is a boat ramp for launching small craft into the Suwannee. To the right, shortly before the spring run, is a metal gate with a private property sign.
Here is where it gets tricky. The land around Telford is owned by Suwannee River Management which has a blanket no diving policy. However, the spring run itself is public.
From here there are two possible access methods. The first and legal method is to enter at the boat ramp downstream of the spring run and scootering upstream to enter Telford via the spring run. To return to the boat ramp simply float back down the river. Do not miss the boat ramp.
The second method, which is in a gray area from a trespassing standpoint, is to hump your equipment past the gate to the shore of the spring run. This trail is bumpy and somewhat long. If you are in backmount prepare for a hike; if you are using a cart it needs to be heavy duty.
Facilities[edit | edit source]
There are no facilities at the site. The closest shop is Dive Outpost, which is a full service cave diving shop. They also likely have recent conditions. Hours are variable so call ahead or check their Facebook page.
Highlights[edit | edit source]
Terrapin Sink is beautiful and a short swim from the entrance. The cave changes character every few hundred feet, locals say it is like diving many different caves.
Safety[edit | edit source]
- This is a popular spot for locals and the spring run typically contains various kinds of trash, including broken glass
- Bring extra spools as the line can be buried under silt mounds for significant stretches
- Line quality is poor in areas even on the gold line
