Telford Spring: A Natural Wonder On The Suwannee River

Telford Spring is a popular destination for cave diving and swimming in North Florida. It is located off State Route 51 among the many beautiful springs along the Suwannee River. The spring was once surrounded by private land. It officially opened to the public in April 2002 but could only be accessed legally from the Suwannee River. In December 2021, Alachua Conservation Trust acquired the land and the spring is now accessible from land.

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The Telford Spring system includes a spring entrance at the head of the run to the river and two sinkholes a short distance away. Bare dirt banks slope 20 feet down gently to the large basin of the Telford head springs. The cavern is located at the northwest end of this basin, and a natural bridge runs perpendicular to the cavern entrance. The average depth of this site is around 40-50 feet, with Telford II and III being nearby sinkholes that lead into the system.

Due to its intricate cave system, Telford Spring is a popular spot for cave divers. The cavern entrance is located at the northwest end of the basin, and the natural bridge that runs perpendicular to the entrance is also a popular spot for divers to enter the water.

We loved this spring! In addition to the caves, you can snorkel; it has a stunning beach with a swing rope! And this spring is a remote one! Most people do not know where this one is or how to access it which made it all the more exciting.

Management of Telford Spring and Public Access

After the approval of the Governing Board and the Lands Committee, the acquisition project began with the SRWMD submitting a request to purchase the property to the FDEP Springs grant funding program. In December 2021, Alachua Conservation Trust acquired the land from the private landowner while the grant was being processed to preserve the property, intending to transfer ownership to the SRWMD. In 2022, the land was transferred to the District, which now owns the property. 

Source: Florida Specfier -Telford Spring: A Piece of the Puzzle in Protecting Florida’s Resources

History of Telford Spring

Telford Spring is named after the Reverend William B. Telford, who homesteaded the land surrounding it in the mid-1800s. It is located on the west bank of the Suwannee River, 4 miles north of Mayo.

The preservation of Telford Spring is an example of conservation in action. The property, which feeds into the Suwannee River, was acquired by Alachua Conservation Trust in partnership with the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). At approximately 94 acres in the 100-year floodplain, the land is also adjacent to other conservation lands, creating a larger swath of protected habitat.

Telford Spring is a popular destination for cave divers due to its intricate cave system. Excerpted from “Dorado Chasm,” Sheck Exley, Telford Spring is one of the most extensive cave systems in the area, with a total surveyed length of 14,000 feet. The cavern is located at the northwest end of the Telford head springs basin, and the northwest bridge runs perpendicular to the cavern entrance.

How To Get To Telford Springs

You can reach Telford Springs by driving on State Route 51 from Mayo toward Luraville, which follows the Suwannee River. Cross the Suwannee River bridge and take the first dirt road on your right. You can find the turn across from the Truck Inspection Station. You will reach a stop sign after a short distance. Make a right turn. Approximately 1 mile to the right will bring you to Telford Springs.

The zip code is Florida 32060.

Map of Telford Spring

We put it in the GPS, and it took us right there! When you arrive, you’ll likely see several cars parked there. There is no formal parking; it is simply a mud bank, and you’ll also see the slope to the Suwannee River.

Here is the parking and the gate entrance. Once you go through the gate to the right it’s about a five minute walk to the spring – just follow the trail.

Recreational Activities at Telford Spring

Naturally, the main lure of this spring is the spring itself, but the caves are the crown jewel.

Swimming & Snorkeling

Telford Spring is a popular destination for swimming and diving enthusiasts. Its crystal-clear water is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day, and the water temperature remains constant throughout the year, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

The spring head has a natural rock bridge that connects the banks of this spring. You can choose to swim around and explore. Or, take the plunge and swim under the bridge. It’s not a long swim, but it’s relatively deep. I had to dive in to get deep enough to go through the tunnel. The Monkey, on the other hand, swam down and through. We used snorkels and masks. However, it’s a natural spring, so you don’t need them as it’s not salt water.

Diving from the top section and down vs. up is much easier because the water flows down to the river.

Diving

Telford Spring is open to any certified Cavern or Cave Diver. There are no entrance fees or waiver requirements. There is also no staff manning the site, nor are there any facilities.

Swing Off The Rope Swing

Who does not enjoy a good old-fashioned rope swing? It’s even better when you are swinging off a beautiful sandy beach. Almost everyone that we saw here took their chances on the rope swing.

Hiking Trails

Telford Spring offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The paths wind through the woodlands and provide scenic views of the surrounding area. Depending on their preference, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. The trails are well-marked and maintained, making them easy to navigate.

Conservation Efforts

Telford Spring is a natural wonder that has been the focus of various organizations’ conservation efforts. The Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) has played a vital role in preserving the spring and surrounding area. In partnership with the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), ACT has acquired approximately 94 acres of land in the 100-year floodplain that feeds into the Suwannee River.

The conservation of Telford Spring is part of ACT’s Surface to Springs Project, which received $7.1 million in funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The project focuses on the Suwannee and Santa Fe watersheds with five state-designated Springs Priority Focus Areas. ACT and its partners will work together to protect these springs’ water quality and quantity.

In addition to its partnership with SRWMD and FDEP, ACT has worked with 13 public, private, non-profit, and educational partners to accomplish the conservation goals of the Surface to Springs Project. These partners include the Florida Forestry Association, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Suwannee River Partnership, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The conservation of Telford Spring and its surrounding area is a vital step in protecting Florida’s natural resources. ACT and its partners’ efforts demonstrate the importance of collaboration in preserving our environment for future generations.

Visting Information – What You Need To Know

Operating Hours

Telford Spring is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Visitors are advised to check the weather conditions before visiting the spring, as it can be dangerous during heavy rainfall or flooding.

This is a spring with no staff or management on site. This means swimming, snorkeling, or diving is at your own risk. And as mentioned, it’s remote, so you need to be a decent swimmer to take on the caves.

Admission Fees

There is no admission fee for Telford Spring.

Visitor Guidelines

Visitors are advised to follow the safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. The guidelines include:

• Do not dive alone.
• Use proper diving equipment and techniques.
• Do not touch or disturb the underwater environment.
• Do not remove any artifacts or wildlife from the spring.
• Take all trash with you and leave no trace.

Visitors should also be aware of the potential risks associated with cave diving, such as entanglement, disorientation, and equipment failure. It is recommended that visitors have proper training and experience before attempting to dive in Telford Spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closing Thoughts

On this trip, we did six different springs in the area. Telford Spring was our second favorite overall. The Monkey said it was his favorite which surprised me because we were diving off of rocks at another. The remoteness of this spring is what makes it so special, along with the caves. The lack of people – paradise and the caves were a ton of fun to swim through and a first for us.

If you do visit, go early because it tends to get busy with locals in the afternoon. Teenages frequent this spring and it tends to get a little rowdy after 3pm.

Please please please, leave no trace – take all of your trash with you! Believe or not, as remote and unknown there was trash on the beach. And, for locals reading this who will claim that vistors vs. locals cause trash – I saw with own eyes the local teenagers littering, throwing cigarette butts all over the place and being overall disrespectful to the spring.

Looking for More Florida Springs? Start Here:

• Blue Spring – Florida
• Crystal River & Three Sisters Spring
• Devil’s Den Florida – A Prehistoric Spring
• Homosassa Springs Florida
• Kelly Park – Rock Springs
• Kings Landing, Florida, and The Iconic Emerald Cut
• Rainbow Springs State Park
• Royal Springs – Suwannee County’s Hidden Gem
• Silver Glen Springs, Florida
• Silver Springs – One Of Florida’s Most Famous Springs
• Suwannee Springs, Florida – The Oldest Spring in Florida
• Troy Springs: A Guide to Florida’s Stunning Natural Wonder
• Weeki Wachee Springs
• Weeki Wachee Spring’s Buccaneer Bay Water Park

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