The terrain surrounding the Santa Fe possesses almost every plant community known to the northcentral Florida area. It has sandhills, swamps, flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. The protection of the state-owned land has made a refuge for deer, turkey, otter, bobcat, and other animals indigenous to north Florida. From the town of Worthington Springs, travel south on S.R. 121 to the bridge. Access is on the northwest side of the bridge off a sandy, deeply rutted road.
Nothing remains now except the ruins of the concrete pool that contains the spring.
The pool is located in a low wooded area on the north bank of the river just below the put-in. Although the river is 50 to 75 feet wide at this point, clear of obstructions, and flowing at a leisurely pace, its canoeable appearance is deceiving. Shortly below S.R. 241, the river begins to be obstructed with willow trees that offer a challenge in maneuvering as the lazy current picks up speed. After practicing in the small willow tangles, the paddler will be prepared for the more technical, Confusion Willow Swamp. The channel splits again and again as it enters a mile long tangle of willow trees.