Cypress Spring
Location: Washington County, Florida, United States
Cypress Spring is located on Holmes Creek north of Vernon, Florida. Historically regarded as one of the most picturesque springs in the state, the site features a wide, shallow spring run and a large, open basin. The spring’s clear discharge visibly merges with the tannic waters of Holmes Creek.
Recent shoreline modifications, including tree removal and the apparent installation of a boardwalk, have altered the character of the surrounding landscape.
Geological Context
Structure & Layout
Hydrological Characteristics
Environmental Changes
Exploration History
Cave Data
Current Status
Geological Context
ypress Spring discharges from the Floridan Aquifer through limestone typical of the Holmes Creek basin.
Unlike some riverbank springs that open directly into steep-walled basins, Cypress features a shallow spring run before the basin widens. The spring water’s clarity contrasts sharply with the darker tannic waters of Holmes Creek.
Several submerged cypress trees remain within the basin, adding distinctive submerged structure rarely seen in comparable spring environments.
Structure & Layout
The cave entrance is small and located to the side of a narrow limestone crack in the basin floor. Entry requires descending against noticeable current and pulling into the opening.
Beyond the entrance, the passage expands modestly before continuing approximately 100 feet into the system. The cave reaches depths slightly greater than 60 feet before the passage becomes too restricted to continue further.
The system is relatively short compared to other regional caves but presents a forceful entry profile due to concentrated discharge through a compact opening.
Hydrological Characteristics
Cypress Spring exhibits strong discharge relative to its entrance size. The narrow opening accelerates flow, requiring controlled descent and deliberate positioning during entry.
River stage influences conditions at the basin level, but interior clarity typically remains stable once beyond the entrance zone.
The shallow basin and wide run create a visually dramatic mixing zone between spring water and creek water.
Environmental Changes
In recent months, shoreline alterations including tree removal and installation of structural features have modified the visual character of the spring basin. While these changes were reportedly intended to address erosion concerns, they have altered the natural appearance that historically defined the site.
The underwater cave structure itself remains unchanged.
Exploration History
Cypress Spring has long been known as a visually distinctive spring system within Holmes Creek.
Due to its limited cave extent, exploration has primarily focused on documenting the short cave section beyond the entrance and observing the hydrological characteristics of the spring.
Cave Data
Location: Washington County, Florida
Water Source: Floridan Aquifer
Cave Type: Submerged limestone cave system
Depth Range: 10–65 feet (3–19.5 meters)
Water Temperature: ~68°F (20°C)
Geology: Karst limestone
Primary Access: Spring vent
Exploration Status: Fully explored
Current Status
Cypress Spring remains accessible as both a scenic basin and a short cave dive.
The combination of:
- Broad scenic basin
- Strong entrance flow
- Offset cave opening
- Submerged cypress trees
- Shallow but defined cave section
makes the system visually unique despite its limited interior extent.
Related Systems
Return to Choctawhatchee River Basin Cave Systems
Return to Florida Panhandle Cave Systems
Photo Gallery
Coming soon