While exploring the freshwater springs of Northwest Florida, we stopped at Pitt and Sylvan Springs, a beautiful little recreation area tucked along Econfina Creek near Youngstown, Florida.
This was one of several springs we visited on this trip, and one of the things I loved about traveling through this part of Florida was discovering just how many springs are hidden along the creeks and backroads. Pitt and Sylvan Springs are especially nice because you can see more than one spring without having to drive to another location.
Pitt Spring
Pitt Spring is the larger and more developed of the two areas. The clear spring water is surrounded by trees, with steps and railings leading directly into the water.
The steps aren't just for convenience. They also help protect the banks from erosion while providing an easier way for swimmers to enter and exit the spring.
There are picnic pavilions nearby, making this a good place to stop for lunch if you're spending the day exploring the springs along Econfina Creek.
One of the best parts of this stop is that you don't have to get back in the car to visit Sylvan Springs.
A trail and boardwalk system connects Pitt Spring with the Sylvan Springs area. Along the way, you're surrounded by the wooded landscape that borders Econfina Creek.
Sylvan Springs feels different from Pitt Spring. Instead of one larger swimming hole, you'll find smaller spring areas where incredibly clear groundwater bubbles up through the sandy bottom.
There is also an overlook and access to a tubing put-in along the boardwalk.
Part of a Much Larger Spring System
What makes this area even more interesting is what you don't immediately see.
Pitt and Sylvan are part of a much larger collection of springs along Econfina Creek. The Northwest Florida Water Management District identifies 11 springs or spring groups along the creek, with as many as 39 individual spring vents.
The combined flow of the Sylvan Springs Group, which includes Pitt Spring, is classified as a second-magnitude spring.
All of that clear spring water eventually makes its way toward Deer Point Lake, an important drinking-water source for Bay County.
Hiking to Williford Spring
If you have more time than we did, you can turn this into a longer spring-hopping adventure.
A roughly one-mile connector trail leads from the Pitt and Sylvan Springs area to Williford Spring, another beautiful spring along Econfina Creek. That makes it possible to visit several springs in the same area without moving your car.
For us, Pitt and Sylvan Springs were part of a larger day exploring Northwest Florida's springs, so it worked perfectly as one of several stops.
Things to Know Before You Go
Location: 6315 E. Highway 20, Youngstown, Florida 32466
Getting there: Pitt and Sylvan Springs Recreation Area is located along State Road 20, approximately seven miles west of U.S. Highway 231. After crossing Econfina Creek while traveling west, the entrance is just off the highway.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. until sunset, seven days a week.
Admission: Free.
Parking: Parking is available at Pitt Spring, with an overflow parking area nearby. Parking along the side of the road is prohibited.
Facilities: Composting restrooms, picnic pavilions, boardwalks, trails, overlooks and canoe/kayak access are available.
Things to do: Swimming, hiking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing and wildlife watching.
Tubing: A tubing put-in is located near the Sylvan Springs area, with a take-out at the confluence of the Pitt Spring run and Econfina Creek.
Day use only: There is no camping at Pitt and Sylvan Springs.
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