Fairchild Spring (Bulow Creek State Park)

## Overview Fairchild Spring is a natural spring located within Bulow Creek State Park, one of the largest remaining stands of southern live oak forest along Florida's east coast. Situated near Ormond Beach in Volusia County, the spring sits within a park that encompasses over 5,600 acres of coastal and riverine habitat along Bulow Creek and the Halifax River system. Bulow Creek State Park is perhaps best known for the Fairchild Oak, a massive southern live oak estimated to be between 400 and 600 years old and one of the largest live oaks in the southeastern United States. Fairchild Spring shares its name with this iconic tree, both named in honor of David Fairchild, the renowned botanist and plant explorer who lived and worked in Florida during the early 20th century. The park's landscape reflects centuries of human use — from the Timucuan people who originally inhabited the area, to the British colonial period, and the antebellum sugar plantation era represented by the nearby Bulow Plantation Ruins. The spring emerges within the park's lush, subtropical hammock environment, surrounded by towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, cabbage palms, and a dense understory of native vegetation. As a listed public drinking spring, Fairchild Spring has historically served as a freshwater source for visitors and locals in the area, though water quality can vary with conditions and the water has not been independently verified as safe for consumption. ## Directions 1. From Interstate 95, take Exit 278 for Old Dixie Highway. 2. Head east on Old Dixie Highway (also marked as CR 4015). 3. Continue along Old Dixie Highway for approximately 2–3 miles. 4. The main entrance to Bulow Creek State Park is located at **3351 Old Dixie Highway, Ormond Beach, FL 32174**. 5. Once inside the park, follow park signage and trails toward Fairchild Spring. The spring is accessible via the park's trail system, which winds through the live oak hammock. 6. GPS coordinates: **29.4, -81.12** — useful for navigating to the general area, though cell service may be limited within the park. *Note: Bulow Creek State Park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sundown. There is typically no entrance fee for the main park area, though nearby Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park may charge a small per-vehicle fee.* ## What to Expect Visitors to Fairchild Spring will find themselves immersed in one of Florida's most beautiful and ecologically significant coastal hammock forests. The trail system leading to the spring passes beneath a canopy of ancient live oaks, many draped heavily with resurrection fern and Spanish moss, creating a shaded, atmospheric walk even on warm days. The spring itself is a modest natural water feature typical of Florida's coastal springs. Water flow may vary seasonally, with higher output during the wetter months (typically June through October) and reduced flow during dry periods. The surrounding terrain is relatively flat and accessible, though trails can be muddy or flooded after heavy rains — sturdy footwear is recommended. While in the park, be sure to visit the nearby **Fairchild Oak**, one of the most impressive trees in all of Florida, with a trunk circumference of over 25 feet and a canopy spread exceeding 130 feet. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, and white-tailed deer. Bulow Creek itself is a designated Florida Paddling Trail, offering kayaking and canoeing opportunities for those looking to extend their visit. The park provides picnic facilities and restrooms near the main parking area. Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be intense, particularly during summer months and near standing water — insect repellent is a wise addition to your pack.