Brunswick Springs

## Overview Brunswick Springs is a storied natural spring site located in the remote town of Brunswick in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, near the Connecticut River along the Canadian border. Long regarded as one of the most culturally significant spring sites in New England, Brunswick Springs has deep roots in Abenaki tradition. According to indigenous oral history, the springs were considered sacred healing waters by the Abenaki people, who believed the site held powerful medicinal and spiritual properties. The springs are notable for reportedly producing six distinct mineral springs in close proximity — each said to contain different mineral compositions, including iron, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, bromide, and arsenic — all emerging along a short stretch of riverbank. The site has a colorful and somewhat mysterious history. Multiple attempts were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to commercialize the springs as a health resort or spa, but each venture reportedly ended in failure — often dramatically, with fires destroying the buildings. Local lore attributes these misfortunes to an Abenaki curse, said to protect the sacred waters from exploitation. The land was eventually acquired by the Abenaki people and is now considered a protected cultural site. Brunswick Springs sits at an elevation along Brunswick Spring Road, surrounded by the rugged, forested landscape of Essex County. The GPS coordinates for the site are approximately 44.7319, -71.6271. ## Directions 1. From the town of Island Pond, VT, head east on VT Route 105 toward the town of Brunswick. 2. Continue on VT-105 for approximately 15 miles until you reach the small community of Brunswick. 3. Turn south onto Brunswick Spring Road (a local road off VT-105). 4. Follow Brunswick Spring Road for a short distance. The spring site is located along this road, near the banks of the Connecticut River. 5. Look for a clearing or informal pull-off area. The springs emerge along the riverbank in this vicinity. *Note: The area is remote with limited signage. Cell service may be unreliable. It is advisable to download offline maps before your trip. Please be respectful of the cultural significance of this site — it is considered sacred land by the Abenaki people.* ## What to Expect Visitors to Brunswick Springs will find a quiet, deeply atmospheric site set along the wooded banks of the Connecticut River. The springs emerge from the hillside in several distinct flows, each historically reported to have a different mineral character and taste. The surrounding area is heavily forested and largely undeveloped, lending the site a wild, untouched quality. Remains of old foundations and stonework from the failed resort ventures may still be visible in the area, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the visit. The terrain can be uneven and muddy, especially near the riverbank, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Because of the site's deep cultural significance to the Abenaki Nation, visitors are encouraged to treat the area with the utmost respect. This is not a recreational swimming or camping destination — it is a place of spiritual importance. There are no facilities, restrooms, or maintained trails at the site. The springs have historically been used as a source of mineral water, but water quality has not been independently verified in recent years, and visitors should exercise caution regarding consumption. The area is most accessible during the warmer months (late spring through early fall), as winter conditions in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom can make rural roads difficult to navigate.