Cascading Brook Spring, Virginia

## Overview Cascading Brook Spring is a charming, miniature natural area tucked within a residential neighborhood near Kearneysville in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Fed by an artesian well, this small spring gives rise to a picturesque brook that winds through a wooded ravine, complete with two tiny islands and a small waterfall. The spring's story is one of quiet transformation. The artesian well that serves as the water source gradually cracked over time, and natural erosion deepened the ravine around the brook, sculpting it into a surprisingly scenic little gorge. The land was once part of a small farm, but as the property changed hands and was eventually developed into a residential neighborhood, the creek went largely unnoticed by new residents. It was rediscovered by a 13-year-old boy from the area who stumbled upon it while exploring with friends. Since then, he has been building creative stone and natural-material structures along the creek — small masterpieces that add a whimsical, handmade charm to the landscape. While the spring is categorized as a public drinking spring, there is no official water quality testing data available for this site. The water originates from an artesian source, which historically tends to be cleaner than surface water, but visitors should be aware that no guarantees of potability can be made. ## Directions 1. Head to **Amber Ridge Place** near Kearneysville, WV (GPS: **39.386016, -77.923691**). 2. The spring and brook are located in the wooded ravine area near **68 Amber Ridge Place, Kearneysville, WV 25430**. 3. Look for access points along the edge of the neighborhood where the tree line meets the residential lots. The brook and ravine run through a natural, undeveloped strip of land within or adjacent to the neighborhood. 4. The terrain involves a descent into a small ravine, so wear sturdy footwear — the ground can be uneven and slippery near the water. *Note: Because this spring is situated within a residential area, please be respectful of neighboring properties and keep noise to a minimum.* ## What to Expect Cascading Brook Spring is a small-scale natural gem rather than a grand destination. Visitors will find a narrow, shaded brook flowing through a wooded ravine that has been carved deeper over many years of erosion. The artesian well source feeds the brook year-round, though flow may vary seasonally. Highlights include: - **A small waterfall** where the brook drops over a natural ledge in the ravine. - **Two tiny islands** formed by the brook splitting and rejoining around raised ground. - **Creative stone and natural-material structures** built along the creek by a young local explorer — these handmade additions give the spot a unique, almost fairy-tale quality. - **A peaceful, park-like setting** with mature trees providing shade and a sense of seclusion despite the nearby neighborhood. The ravine can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Because the spring is in a residential area, there are no formal trails, restrooms, or signage. This is best suited for a quiet visit to enjoy a hidden pocket of nature rather than a full day outing.