Berkeley Springs, WV

## Overview Berkeley Springs in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, is one of the oldest known mineral spring sites in the United States. Located within Berkeley Springs State Park (also known as Berkeley Springs State Park or historically as Bath), these warm springs have been attracting visitors for centuries. George Washington first visited the springs in 1748 as a young surveyor, and the town of Bath — one of the first incorporated towns in what is now West Virginia — was established around them in 1776. The springs were long revered by Indigenous peoples, who considered the area a neutral healing ground, and they remain a cherished public resource today. The springs flow at a consistent temperature of approximately 74.3°F (23.5°C) year-round, producing an estimated 2,000 gallons of water per minute from multiple sources within the park. Historically, the water has been used for both drinking and bathing, and the park's Roman-style bathhouses have offered warm mineral baths to the public since the early 1800s. Today, water flows from fountains within the park, and visitors frequently come to collect water in their own containers. It should be noted that some visitors have reported a noticeable chlorine taste in the fountain water, which may be the result of municipal treatment applied to the spring output at the public taps. The untreated spring water itself has historically been regarded as clean and mineral-rich, though water quality can vary and should not be assumed safe for drinking without independent testing. ## Directions 1. Head to **Berkeley Springs State Park**, located on **South Washington Street** in the town of Berkeley Springs (Bath), WV. 2. The park entrance is accessible from the **Fairfax Street** crossroad at South Washington Street. 3. Once inside the park, you'll find the spring fountains near the center of the grounds. 4. **Corrected GPS coordinates:** 39.62694, -78.22888 5. **Address:** 2 S Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, United States. *Note: The park is generally open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Hours may vary seasonally — check with Berkeley Springs State Park before visiting.* ## What to Expect Berkeley Springs State Park is a compact, walkable park right in the heart of the small town of Berkeley Springs. The spring fountains are easy to find once you enter the grounds. Water flows freely from multiple fountain taps, and it's common to see locals and visitors alike filling jugs and bottles. The park also features the historic Roman Bathhouse, where visitors can book warm mineral water baths and spa treatments — a tradition that dates back over two centuries. The surrounding town offers shops, restaurants, and a charming small-town atmosphere that makes for a pleasant day trip. The springs are a year-round attraction thanks to the constant water temperature, but the park can be busier during warmer months and on weekends. Street parking is available nearby along Washington Street and surrounding roads. The park grounds are relatively flat and accessible. Berkeley Springs is also home to the annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, one of the most prestigious water-tasting competitions in the world — a testament to the area's long association with high-quality spring water.