Hightower Spring: One Of Florida’s Most Enigmatic Hidden Gems

Hightower Spring has got to be one of the most remote, ecleptic, and unusual springs in Florida. Totally unmanaged, remote yet accessible by river and road, this spring should be on any spring hunter’s list. The recognizable log that divides the river from the spring looks like a snake with a peacock’s head. It’s a landmark so unusual that you’ll find yourself studying it to decide what it looks like.

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Hightower Spring is a short drive south of Vernon and a quick carry-in paddle or walk from the nearby landing, making it an easy day trip for a low-effort nature escape. Hightower Spring offers clear, spring-fed water in a quiet floodplain forest, providing a peaceful spot for paddling, fishing, and nature observation. It’s also a low-key spring that does not attract crowds. A much better option than Pitt and Slyvan or Williford if you are looking to be alone.

About Hightower Spring

You’ll find Hightower Spring at a seep along Holmes Creek where groundwater from the Floridan aquifer discharges at a steady rate. Flow here is modest compared with large first‑magnitude springs, but it remains consistent enough to keep water temperatures near 68–72°F through much of the year.

The spring’s sandy bottom and visible boil indicate upwelling; those features also help maintain high clarity by reducing suspended sediment. Regional groundwater levels and nearby land use influence flow volume—prolonged drought or heavy pumping in the aquifer can reduce discharge and alter surface conditions.

It’s not a large spring by any stretch, but it’s crystal clear, in the middle of nowhere, and ideal for a peaceful day out with limited interruptions. And, despite its remote location, it has a boardwalk, a viewing platform, and a picnic area with a grill.

History of Hightower Spring

Hightower Spring sits within a landscape shaped by Indigenous use, 19th-century settler expansion, and local oral history. There is evidence of long-standing practical use, later property ties, and a modest set of stories that tie the spring to community identity. Tribes such as the Cheyenne and Arapaho occupied the region through the 18th and 19th centuries; they concentrated activities around springs, riparian corridors, and natural shelter.

Material traces at comparable sites include tool flakes, tipi ring scatters, and artifact finds near water. Such evidence indicates repeated, long-term use rather than single visits. If you research local archaeological surveys or state cultural resource inventories, you’ll likely find records that confirm how critical springs were to Indigenous mobility and resource practices.

The Settlement History of Hightower Springs

Hightower Spring’s documented presence in county and topographic records that map features in Weld County near New Raymer. Settlers in the late 19th century established ranching and small farming operations and relied on mapped springs when claiming water rights and laying out homesteads.

Property plats, USGS topographic maps, and county place-name catalogs record the spring’s coordinates and administrative placement. Those records show how the spring influenced land-use decisions, livestock watering, and local transportation corridors. Legal files—such as water-right claims or ranch deeds—often reference named springs as fixed points in boundary descriptions.

Local Legends and Folklore

You’ll find modest local lore attached to Hightower Spring, typically passed by word of mouth among ranching families and small-town residents. Stories emphasize the spring’s reliability during dry seasons, occasional accounts of healing or luck, and recollections tying the name “Hightower” to early settlers or nearby place names.

Folklore here tends to be practical rather than sensational. Oral histories collected by county historical societies or local newspapers preserve anecdotal details: who first dug a trough, which ranch used the spring in a drought year, or a family anecdote explaining the place name. Those narratives contribute to community memory and help you contextualize the spring within everyday life rather than heroic myth.

Swimming At Hightower Spring

Hightower Spring offers clear, shallow water, making it easy to plan a swim. You can swim and wade in the spring’s clear, sandy-bottomed pool; the water is shallow near the edges and deepens toward the spring vent.

There is no ladder or platform to climb down, and the high tower spring is fairly shallow, exposing its bolts. I didn’t swim this spring because there was a huge alligator snapping turtle in this one. Indeed, alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) can cause serious injuries, including amputations, when they bite. They can bite through broom handles, have a bite force of up to 1,000 pounds per square inch, and are dangerous even though they are not usually hostile to humans. Given this, I’m not getting into his domain.

If you do decide to swim, bring water shoes for the sandy and occasionally rocky bottom, and watch for submerged roots or small logs near the shoreline.

In addition to the spring, there’s a boat ramp that you can use to access Holmes Creek. To the right of the boat ramp is a beautiful sandy shore line, equally as inviting as the spring. It also looks as if there’s another unnamed spring to the right. I could not tell for sure due to the vegetation but I saw signs of the crystal clear emerald green water peeking through.

Facilities At Hightower Spring

Parking is a small roadside pullout or a primitive lot near the spring; there is no large paved parking structure. Expect space for only a handful of cars, so arrive early on weekends or holidays to secure a spot. Facilities at the spring are minimal. Do not expect formal restrooms, visitor centers, or food vendors on-site. Carry water, a small first-aid kit, and a trash bag; pack out what you bring in. Nearby towns may have public restrooms, picnic areas, or convenience stores—identify those options before you leave.

Best Times to Visit

As with all springs, if, like me, you want the chance to experience them on your own, you’ll need to visit during the week rather than a weekend. If you plan to visit on a weekend, you will need to get there early because parking is limited. Another way to beat the crowd is to visit during the winter. Yes, it’s cold outside, but the water is warmer than the temperature outside.

Seasonal Water Level Variations

Water temperature remains relatively stable because spring discharge buffers short-term air temperature swings; expect cooler water in summer than in surface runoff. During the wet season, higher creek levels can mask the spring boil and expand the wetted area, creating stronger paddling currents.

In dry months, you may notice reduced surface expression and more exposed sandbars near the landing; aquatic vegetation can become denser in these lower flows. Seasonal tourism and recreational use peak in warmer months, so plan visits during weekday mornings if you prefer quieter conditions and better wildlife viewing.

How to Reach Hightower Spring

On Land: from the main intersection in Vernon, follow State Road 79 south about 2 miles, then turn right (west) onto Hightower Road. The spring’s landing and parking areas lie a short distance down Hightower Road; expect a small parking area and a nonmotorized boat ramp.

Via Water: The spring and immediate waterways are best reached by canoe, kayak, or on foot from theHolmes Creek.

Coordinates: latitude approximately 35.03998° N, longitude approximately -85.69895° W, with an elevation of around 617 ft (188 m). Use these coordinates to drop a pin in your GPS or mapping app for precise routing.

What rules, fees, and seasonal closures should visitors know before arriving?

It’s free to visit and swim at Hightower Spring. However, observe posted rules, such as no glass, no fires, and leash requirements for pets; private property signs may restrict access to some areas.

Closing Thoughts:

Holmes Creek is a beautiful 34-mile designated paddling trail in the Florida Panhandle. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and pristine, spring-fed waters, which include the famous Cypress Springs. It is close to Vernon, Florida, and provides easy-to-moderate tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. There are many access points for exploring cypress-gum swamps and sandy banks.

While this Hightower spring does not offer many facilities, I personally love that it is remote and unmanaged! I prefer the off-the-beaten-track “wild” springs rather than state parks. If you are looking for a remote spring with little traffic, this is a must. Just be aware of wildlife and check for it in the spring before you jump in.

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