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Morrison Springs is the only second magnitude natural spring in Walton County, Florida that is also popular scuba diving spot. With year-round water temperatures between 65 and 68 degrees, it’s also a great place to cool off on a hot day. For years the privately owned spring was a locally-known swimming hole and the site of a commercial dive operation. Then in 2004, the state of Florida purchased the 161-acre parcel of land and water located in the Choctawhatchee River floodplain, and leased it to the county, which maintains it as a park, free and open to the public.
Swimming, Picnicking, and Boating Visit Morrison Springs this spring or summer for a day of family fun. Surrounded by giant cypress trees, the spring pool is over 250 feet in diameter with a sandy beach on one side. The beach is a great place for small children to splash in the water’s edge and dig in the sand, while grown-ups and older kids can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water. Be aware, there is no lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk.
A large pavilion with picnic tables and grills is available, but you can also just set your chairs and coolers anywhere. Two wheelchair-accessible boardwalks out over the water allow for great views of the beach area and down the spring run toward the boat ramp. Plaques on the railings identify some of the plants and trees, and birds and wildlife can often be seen in the surrounding forest.Other park amenities include two diving docks, a newer one located at the end of one of the boardwalks and an older one anchored in the middle of the spring pool. There are also restrooms, showers, and wash stations for dive equipment. Like its neighbor Ponce de Leon Springs State Park about four miles north, this is a day-use only park, so there is no camping.
Boaters can launch from the boat ramp a hundred yards or so away from the swimming area. A road from the parking lot goes around to the ramp where there is separate parking for vehicles with trailers. From the boat ramp, the Choctawhatchee River is less than a mile downstream. Paddlers can launch easily from the boat ramp as well, but there are no take outs until you get to the river, which can be treacherous during times of high water.
Scuba Diving at Morrison Springs Not all scuba diving in Florida takes place on the coast. With over 700 identified springs, many of them karst or artesian springs rising up from deep within the state’s limestone base, springs diving is popular throughout the state. Morrison Springs is known to have an extensive underwater cave system and exceptional water clarity which makes it a “must dive” for divers from all over the southeast.
The sandy floor slopes from the beach to the center of the pool where three vents, the deepest at about 300 feet, release the flow of water at a rate of 48 million gallons per day, making it a second magnitude natural spring. The spring has been known to produce as much as 70 million gallons a day, which is a first magnitude (64.6 million gallons or more per day). The water is light blue and crystal clear with a prominent “boil” on the pool surface above the vents. Cave divers report that the water remains clear in the cavern and cave system. A permanently mounted divers’ flag floats on the surface to mark the diving area.
Underwater wildlife is abundant and the spring is known for the many eels that inhabit its caves along with varieties of fish and other creatures. Diving these caves is risky business, setting a challenge for experienced divers, but inexperienced divers should not venture in. There is no onsite diving equipment rental or air fills. The nearest dive shops are in Panama City Beach, South Walton, and Fort Walton Beach some 35 miles away, so be sure you have everything you need for a safe dive before you arrive.
However, there is a fun place to stop on your way to the park. Just south of Morrison Springs on Highway 81 is the community of Red Bay where you’ll find the Red Bay Grocery, a great place to grab some provisions for the day, homemade ice cream, or a piece of homemade pie.
Morrison Springs General Information Whether you’re set for a challenging inland dive, or looking for a great place for a family picnic, Morrison Springs offers a refreshing alternative to the beach.
Location: Morrison Springs Road off CR 181 Lat. 30° 39’ 28.38” N., Long. 85° 54’ 14.18” W Walton County, FL
Phone: Walton County Parks Department DeFuniak Springs, FL 850-892-8108
Hours of Operation: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Park Fees: None
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, photography, nature walk/boardwalk, birding, boating, paddling, picnicking
Driving Directions: From I-10, take Exit 96 onto Highway 81. Go south for about 6 miles. Turn left onto County Road 181. Go east for 1.5 miles, then turn right onto Morrison Springs Road (there is a sign for the park) and follow to its end.
