
About This Spring
## Overview Bristol Spring is a small, mountain-fed natural spring located along the western shore of Newfound Lake in Bristol, New Hampshire. Tucked along the left (west) side of New Hampshire Route 3A — also known as Lake Street — this modest roadside spring is easy to miss if you're not watching for it. Despite its unassuming appearance, it has long served as a convenient stop for locals and travelers looking to fill up with fresh spring water in Grafton County. The spring flows year-round, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it accessible in every season. Nestled in the scenic Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the area surrounding Bristol Spring is characterized by forested hillsides and the pristine waters of Newfound Lake — one of the cleanest lakes in the state. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, though water quality can vary and has not been independently verified. ## Directions 1. From the center of Bristol, NH, head north on **New Hampshire Route 3A (Lake Street)** toward Newfound Lake's western shore. 2. Continue along Route 3A, passing through the lakeside stretch of road. 3. Watch for the spring on the **left (west) side** of the road, near **866–897 Lake Street**. 4. A helpful landmark: if you pass **Skip's Gun Shop** and the intersection with **West Shore Road**, you've gone too far north — turn around and head back south a short distance. 5. The spring is small and easy to overlook, so keep a sharp eye out. There is limited roadside pull-off space, so use caution when stopping. **GPS Coordinates:** 43.611336, -71.741936 ## What to Expect Bristol Spring is a humble, no-frills roadside spring — don't expect signage or a developed park area. The water emerges from a mountain-fed source right along Route 3A, and the flow is typically modest. Bring your own containers if you plan to collect water. The setting along Newfound Lake's western shore is scenic, especially during New Hampshire's famous fall foliage season when the surrounding hardwood forests put on a spectacular display. Summer visitors can combine a stop at the spring with a trip to one of Newfound Lake's beaches or boat launches nearby. Because the spring sits right along a state highway, parking is informal — pull off carefully onto the shoulder and be mindful of passing traffic. The spring is accessible year-round, though winter visitors should be prepared for icy conditions along the roadside. This is a great quick stop for anyone exploring the Newfound Lake area or traveling along Route 3A between Bristol and Hebron.
Getting There
Address
866, Lake St, Bristol, NH 03222, US
GPS Coordinates
43.611336, -71.741936
Directions
Community SubmittedDirections 1. From the center of Bristol, NH, head north on **New Hampshire Route 3A (Lake Street)** toward Newfound Lake's western shore. 2. Continue along Route 3A, passing through the lakeside stretch of road. 3. Watch for the spring on the **left (west) side** of the road, near **866–897 Lake Street**. 4. A helpful landmark: if you pass **Skip's Gun Shop** and the intersection with **West Shore Road**, you've gone too far north — turn around and head back south a short distance. 5. The spring is small and easy to overlook, so keep a sharp eye out. There is limited roadside pull-off space, so use caution when stopping.
Water Safety Disclaimer
Try Water does not independently test, verify, or guarantee the quality, safety, or potability of any water source listed on this site. Listings are based on publicly available data, community contributions, and historical reports — not laboratory analysis.
Water conditions at natural springs can change at any time due to weather, contamination, agricultural runoff, seasonal variation, or other environmental factors. A spring that was safe to drink from yesterday may not be safe today.
Always test water yourself before drinking. We strongly recommend using a portable water testing kit or filter (such as a LifeStraw) and consulting local health authorities when in doubt. Never rely solely on the information provided here when making decisions about drinking from a natural water source.
By using this site, you acknowledge that you assume all risk associated with visiting and consuming water from any listed source.
Quick Facts
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Tips
Bring empty jugs or bottles to fill up.
Accessible by road — pull off carefully.
Parking available nearby.
Open 24/7 — visit anytime.
Safety Info
Always test or filter water from natural springs before drinking. Water quality can change seasonally.
Bring your own containers. A portable water filter like a LifeStraw is recommended.
Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.