One Of Florida's Best Springs Officially Reopens

Williford Spring photo from Northwest Florida Water Management District

​​The Northwest Florida Water Management District announced yesterday the reopening of Williford Spring, just in time for Springs Awareness Month. Located at 5647 Porter Pond Road in Youngstown, Florida, Williford Spring has been closed since March 11 and has undergone significant improvements to enhance visitors' experiences.

Situated approximately 1.5 miles north of State Road 20 and accessible via Porter Pond Road, Williford Spring is a beloved recreation site managed by the Northwest Water Management District. Visitors can expect to find three picnic pavilions, two composting toilets, and a boardwalk system that guides them around the spring and to Econfina Creek. Additionally, a nature trail leads to the nearby Pitt and Sylvan Springs recreation area, offering an added adventure for nature enthusiasts.

Swimmers and snorkelers will appreciate the new steps with handrails installed into the spring, providing easier access while protecting the banks from erosion. A canoe/kayak launch located at the end of the boardwalk system allows paddlers to tie up their vessels while enjoying a refreshing dip in the spring. However, the District prohibits any vessels in the spring area to preserve its natural beauty.

Williford Spring, classified as a second magnitude spring, is part of the stunning Econfina Creek, which features as many as 39 individual spring vents. Its flow, along with other springs along Econfina Creek, ultimately discharges into Deer Point Lake, a vital source of drinking water for Bay County residents.

To ensure the protection of Econfina Creek and its contribution zone, the Northwest Florida Water Management District manages 41,532.31 acres of public lands in the Econfina Creek Water Management Area, including the Sand Hill Lakes Mitigation Bank.

Recreational opportunities at Williford Spring include picnicking, restroom facilities, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can enjoy these amenities from 8 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week.

While Williford Spring was temporarily closed, visitors were encouraged to explore other recreational opportunities nearby, including the Pitt/Sylvan Spring Recreation Area and Blue Spring Recreation Area.

For more information about Williford Spring and other springs managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District, you can visit nwfwater.com.