Alexander Springs offers the most visually spectacular locale among all the springs in the Florida Aquatic Gems project. An average of 66 million gallons of turquoise-hued water emerge from exquisitely carved subterranean caverns and a variety of smaller vents to fill an immense natural pool set in a grove of mature sabal palms. These springs create a virtual paradise for snorkelers. Passing over the 25-foot deep azure-colored pool, it’s easy to imagine being in a gigantic freshwater aquarium. Bright green beds of eelgrass cover outcroppings of limestone that face a water-swept bed of sand.
The variety of spring openings is astonishing. Mammoth volumes of water emerge from two large caves and from a porous area of jumbled rocks. Opposite the larger openings, snorkelers can see several other types of spring vents, including one that is high in sulfur with its characteristically white-colored algae. Fish and turtles abound in the pool and surrounding waters, with alligators and diving anhingas being far less frequent swimming companions in the springs.
The irresistible beauty of this Aquatic Gem is also apparent along a majestic spring run that can be explored by kayak or canoe. Sightings of alligators, river otters, turtles, bald eagles and a variety of wading birds are frequent in this wilderness stream environment that feeds into the St. Johns River some seven miles to the east. The spring run can also be viewed from two platforms accessible on the Timucuan Trail, a one-mile hiking path that passes through a moist sabal palm forest and climbs into a dry sand pine scrub ecosystem. With its otherworldly natural swimming pool, wilderness spring run and multiple-ecosystem hiking trail; Alexander Springs treats the senses and inspires the human spirit.
Extraordinary features of Alexander Springs include:
• the aquarium-like basin formed by the main springs, ideal for snorkeling
• the Timucuan Trail that acquaints hikers with local plants and ecosystems
• excellent wildlife viewing by kayak or canoe along the beautiful spring run
Aquatic Gems Site.
Please visit video based version of the project at http://www.floridaaquaticgems.com/
Check out video HERE!
Links:
http://www.sjrwmd.com/springs/alexander.html
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/?recid=32209
Altoona, FL 32702
