Bear Litha Spring, Elkton, Virginia

## Overview Bear Lithia Spring is a large, constantly flowing natural spring located just outside the town of Elkton in Rockingham County, Virginia. Situated in the scenic Shenandoah Valley along the eastern flank of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this public drinking spring produces crystal-clear water year-round and has historically been reported as a reliable source of refreshing drinking water. The spring's name — "Lithia" — suggests a historical association with lithium-bearing mineral water, a designation that was common among springs in the Appalachian region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when lithia waters were prized for their purported health benefits. The spring sits directly behind Bear Lithia Springs Baptist Church, a local landmark that takes its name from the spring itself, underscoring the spring's longstanding importance to the surrounding community. The water emerges with a strong, steady flow that does not appear to be significantly affected by dry weather or seasonal drought, making it a dependable source throughout the year. A large, round-shaped stone or concrete structure covers the spring, and visitors can access the water through a pipe that channels the flow for easy collection. ## Directions 1. From the town of Elkton, Virginia, head south on **Route 340 (East Side Highway)** in the direction of Shenandoah, VA. 2. Shortly after leaving Elkton, look for **Bear Lithia Springs Baptist Church** on the left (east) side of the highway, located right next to an access road. 3. Turn left off Route 340 onto the access road. The church will be on your left as you turn. 4. Follow the road past the church until it dead-ends. 5. At the dead end, you will find the spring on your right — look for the large, round-shaped structure that covers the spring. The water is accessible via a pipe. **GPS Coordinates:** 38.435694, -78.61843 ## What to Expect Bear Lithia Spring is an easy-to-reach roadside spring with no significant hiking required. After a short drive down the access road past the church, you'll arrive at the spring enclosure — a distinctive round structure that protects the source. The water flows from a pipe, making it convenient to fill bottles or jugs. The spring produces a generous volume of crystal-clear water with a constant flow, and visitors have reported that it maintains its output even during extended dry spells. The surrounding area is quiet and rural, set against the backdrop of the Shenandoah Valley with views toward the Blue Ridge. The church and its grounds are well-maintained, and the spring area is generally clean and accessible. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary over time. While Bear Lithia Spring has been historically used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers, visitors should be aware that natural springs are not regularly tested or treated. The "lithia" designation is a historical name and should not be taken as a current mineral analysis.