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Wonder
Santa Fe River Rise
In short
The Santa Fe River Rise from the boat or shore looks like a calm lake. But below the calm water is a powerful resurgence of Santa Fe River from the underground, every second discharging 14.5 cubic meters of water.
32.8%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Average discharge
Map of the site
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In detail
The Santa Fe River, which is about 25 m wide, disappears underground in O’Leno State Park, at the Santa Fe River Sink. It meanders under the ground for several kilometers until it resurfaces at the Santa Fe River Rise, which is some 4.5 km in a straight line from the sink, in River Rise Preserve State Park.
The spring (resurgence) pool is 53 by 50 m large and up to 14.9 m deep. The average discharge from 1998 to 2014 was 14,511 l/s – in this respect, the Santa Fe River Rise is the third most powerful spring in Florida after Alapaha Rise (16,260 l/s) and Wakulla Spring (17,437 l/s).
This river rise may not be a true spring, but it is nevertheless a beautiful natural landmark. A natural forest extends between the river sink and its resurgence and also surrounds the rise.
An especially pleasant way to experience the beauty of this site is to travel by boat for several kilometers upstream from the High Springs Boat Ramp, passing by several more impressive springs.
While paddling above the River Rise, there is no sign of the powerful flow from the underground – the water is calm, like a lake.
This underground river has been carved in Ocala Limestone that formed in the late Eocene. The river and its underground section, however, are much younger.
Old Bellamy Cave
The spring run serves as one of the entrances to a large cave system – Old Bellamy Cave. The length of its explored passages is 12,657 m and its depth is 48.77 m. This cave was discovered in 1995 and is very dangerous for explorers.
History of Santa Fe River Rise
In prehistoric times, people used this area to mine chert – a valuable stone for weapons and other tools. There are four known prehistoric quarries in this area. The natural bridge between the sink and the River Rise (if we can call a 4.5 km wide section a “bridge”) has served as a transportation route since prehistoric times.
Near the sink, in the early 19th century, Old Bellamy Road was built and even a hotel (Leno Springs Hotel) was built near the sink. It burned down in 1896.
In 1934, the land around the sink was donated to the state and became one of the first Florida state parks.
Only in 1999, the land around the Santa Fe River Rise was acquired by the state and Florida established River Rise Preserve State Park.
Today, this is a charming natural forest area with numerous hiking trails and paddling areas.
References
- SANTA FE RIVER AT RIVER RISE NEAR HIGH SPRINGS, Snoflo. Accessed on September 6, 2023.
- Santa Fe River at River Rise. Suwannee River Water Management District, Water Data Portal. Last accessed on 9th September 2023.
Santa Fe River Rise is included in the following article:
Linked articles
Springs
Powerful natural freshwater springs belong to the most fascinating monuments of nature. Even more exciting is the diversity of unusual springs – mineral springs, hot springs, submarine springs as well as the unusual black smokers. Especially beautiful are such natural rarities as travertine, silica, or salt terraces created by warm and hot springs and, especially, geysers.
Wonders of the United States
The United States of America is one of the largest countries in the world and offers a wide array of diverse attractions: many are unsurpassed in the world. Highlights of the United States are cliffs, canyons, and rock formations, several impressive downtowns of cities with numerous skyscrapers as well as a rich array of geothermal features, and the giant forest of California.
Wonders of Florida
Florida is the tropical paradise of the mainland United States. Over the last century, it has experienced fabulous changes, turning from a forgotten, swampy badland into a densely populated and rich land. Highlights of Florida include the architecture of the late 19th and 20th centuries as well as its giant springs and caves.
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Florida Natural Wonders: 101 Slices Of Heaven That You Can’t Miss When Visiting Florida
Are You Ready for a Breathtaking Experience Through the Heart of Florida, Exploring Its Most Famous Wonders and Attractions?
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