Coconut Spring

## Overview Coconut Spring is a publicly accessible natural spring located in Howland, Maine, nestled near the banks of the Piscataquis River in Penobscot County. The spring is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers fresh water to visitors free of charge. Locals and travelers alike have long used this spring as a source of drinking water, though no laboratory tests have been published confirming its purity — visitors should be aware that the water has not been officially tested or certified as safe. The spring sits in a wooded area just off North Howland Road, providing a quiet, natural setting that reflects the rugged beauty of central Maine's river country. The Piscataquis River, one of the major tributaries of the Penobscot River, flows nearby, and the surrounding landscape is typical of Maine's interior — dense mixed forest, rolling terrain, and clean-running waterways. ## Directions 1. From **Interstate 95**, take the exit toward **North Howland Road** in Howland, Maine. 2. Head **east** on North Howland Road from its intersection with Highway 95. 3. After crossing the highway intersection, the road merges with **Mattmiscontis Road** just a short distance ahead. 4. Continue along the road and watch for a **dirt turnaround area on your left**. There is plenty of space to park safely. 5. From the parking area, look for a **wooden staircase** that leads down into the woods toward the spring. **GPS Coordinates:** 45.263307, -68.674443 ## What to Expect Coconut Spring is a short walk from the roadside parking area, accessed via a wooden staircase that descends into the forest. The spring itself is situated in a wooded setting near the Piscataquis River, offering a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. The parking area is a simple dirt turnaround off the road, but it provides ample space for vehicles. The wooden staircase is the key landmark — once you spot it, you'll know you're in the right place. **A word of caution:** The trail into the woods is not extensively marked. Stick close to the path leading from the staircase to the spring and avoid wandering deeper into the forest, as it's easy to lose your bearings. The area is densely wooded, and there are no additional trail markers beyond the initial staircase. The spring flows year-round, though conditions may vary seasonally. In winter, the wooden staircase and surrounding trail can become icy or snow-covered, so appropriate footwear is recommended. During spring and summer, the surrounding forest is lush and the area is particularly scenic. While the water has been historically used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors, no lab results are available to confirm water quality. As with any untested natural spring, use your own discretion regarding consumption.