Buchtel Spring, Buchtel, OH

## Overview Buchtel Spring is a well-known public drinking spring located in the small village of Buchtel in Athens County, southeastern Ohio. Situated at the corner of Franklin Street and Marietta Avenue, this spring has long served as a community water source for locals and travelers passing through the region. The spring features three clay pipes that emerge from a concrete face, flowing into concrete troughs with a central drain. It is considered a very large spring by local standards, producing a generous and steady flow of water. The infrastructure — clay pipes set into a concrete retaining wall — suggests the spring was improved and formalized at some point in the village's history, a common practice in Appalachian Ohio where natural springs were channeled for public use. Visitors have historically used this spring as a source of drinking water, and it remains accessible around the clock, 365 days a year. Buchtel itself is a quiet village nestled in the rolling hills of Athens County, an area rich in natural springs thanks to the region's sandstone and shale geology, which channels groundwater to the surface. The spring is a beloved local landmark and a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the back roads of southeastern Ohio. ## Directions 1. From **US Route 33**, head to **Nelsonville, Ohio**. 2. In Nelsonville, turn left onto **Marietta Avenue** (also known as **State Route 78 East**). 3. Follow Marietta Avenue southeast toward the village of Buchtel. 4. The spring is located at the **corner of Franklin Street and Marietta Avenue** (near 5311 Marietta Ave, Buchtel, OH 45716). 5. Look for the concrete spring structure with three clay pipes on the roadside. Access is directly from Franklin Street. **GPS Coordinates:** 39.464497, -82.180145 ## What to Expect When you arrive at Buchtel Spring, you'll find a straightforward, utilitarian setup: three clay pipes protruding from a concrete wall, each flowing into concrete collection troughs. The central drain keeps the area from flooding, and the overall design makes it easy to fill jugs or bottles directly from the pipes. The spring flows year-round and is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no gates or restricted hours. There is no fee to visit. The surrounding area is rural and quiet — typical of the small villages that dot Athens County. Parking is available along the roadside near the intersection of Franklin Street and Marietta Avenue. Because this is an unmonitored natural spring, water quality may vary with seasonal conditions. The spring has been historically used as a drinking water source by the local community, but as with any natural spring, visitors should be aware that water quality is not officially tested or guaranteed. The spring makes for a convenient stop if you're traveling along SR 78 through southeastern Ohio, and it pairs well with exploring the nearby Hocking Hills region or the college town of Athens, just a short drive to the east.