Hightower Springs

## Overview Hightower Springs is a natural spring located in the Florida Panhandle region, situated at GPS coordinates 30.6048751733561, -85.7657320589186. Based on its geographic position, the spring lies in the rural countryside of Washington County or western Calhoun County, Florida — an area known for its karst geology, where limestone bedrock gives rise to numerous springs and sinkholes fed by the Upper Floridan Aquifer. The name "Hightower" likely traces back to early settlers or a prominent local family in the area, a common naming convention for natural features throughout the rural South. Springs in this part of the Florida Panhandle have historically served as vital freshwater sources for homesteads, small communities, and travelers. Hightower Springs has been listed as a public drinking spring, suggesting it has a history of community use as a water source, though visitors should be aware that water quality can vary and no guarantees of potability can be made without current testing. The geology of this region features the Ocala Limestone and other carbonate formations that allow rainwater to percolate underground, dissolve minerals, and re-emerge as cool, clear spring water. Springs in this part of Florida typically produce water in the range of 68–72°F year-round, offering a refreshing experience regardless of the season. ## Directions Hightower Springs is located in a rural area of the Florida Panhandle. The GPS coordinates (30.6048751733561, -85.7657320589186) can be entered directly into a navigation app such as Google Maps or Waze for the most reliable routing. 1. From the nearest major road, head toward the coordinates using a GPS-enabled device. 2. The spring is situated in a relatively remote area, so be prepared for unpaved or lightly maintained roads as you approach. 3. Look for any local signage or landmarks near the spring site. Rural springs in this region are sometimes marked with small signs or are located near old homestead sites. *Note: These directions are based solely on GPS coordinates. If you have visited Hightower Springs and can provide more detailed turn-by-turn directions, your contribution would be greatly appreciated by future visitors.* ## What to Expect As a natural spring in the rural Florida Panhandle, Hightower Springs is likely set in a wooded, pastoral landscape typical of Washington or Calhoun County. Visitors can expect a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience far from the more commercialized springs of central Florida. The surrounding terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, with mixed pine and hardwood forests common in the area. Depending on the season and recent rainfall, the spring's flow may vary. Springs in this region often feed into small creeks or runs that wind through the forest. Because this is a rural and relatively undeveloped site, visitors should come prepared: - **Access:** Roads leading to the spring may be unpaved. A vehicle with decent ground clearance is advisable, especially after rain. - **Facilities:** There are unlikely to be restrooms, trash cans, or other amenities. Pack out everything you bring in. - **Water:** While Hightower Springs has historically been used as a public drinking water source, water quality can change over time. The water has not been independently verified as safe for consumption — visitors who wish to drink from the spring may want to bring a portable testing kit or filtration system. - **Wildlife:** The Panhandle is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, and the occasional black bear. Mosquitoes and ticks can be prevalent, especially in warmer months. - **Best time to visit:** Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and lower insect activity, though the spring itself can be visited year-round.