Cooper Spring, Buckfield, Maine

## Overview Cooper Spring is a beloved public drinking spring located along Mt Mica Road in the Paris/Buckfield area of Oxford County, Maine. Known for its sweet, cold water, this natural spring has long served as a free, 24/7 water source for locals and visitors alike. The spring originates from a more distant location and has been channeled to its current roadside access point through PVC pipes, making it easy to fill containers without venturing off the beaten path. Situated on the rural outskirts of South Paris, Cooper Spring benefits from its relatively remote, wooded setting — a factor that contributes to the quality of the water. The spring sits in the foothills near Mt. Mica, a location historically famous for its mineral deposits and gemstone mining. Mt. Mica is, in fact, the site where tourmaline was first discovered in the United States in 1820, making this corner of Oxford County a place of genuine geological significance. ## Directions **Updated GPS coordinates:** 44.26868, -70.45187 **Address:** 403 Mt Mica Rd, South Paris, ME 04281 1. From Buckfield, head west on **Route 117**. 2. Drive for a few miles until you see **N Whitman School Road** on your right. 3. Turn right onto N Whitman School Road and follow it straight — it will lead you to **Mt. Mica Road**. 4. Turn left onto Mt. Mica Road and continue driving. 5. Cooper Spring will appear on your **right-hand side** of the road. The spring is roadside, so no hiking is required. Look for the PVC pipe outlet and the stone-lined collection area. ## What to Expect Cooper Spring offers a steady, reliable flow of water — visitors have reported being able to fill a one-gallon container in roughly one to two minutes. The water has been described by visitors as sweet-tasting and refreshingly cold, and it has historically been used as a drinking water source by the local community. The area around the spring is clean and well-maintained. Community members have arranged stones and rocks around the pipe outlet to create a stable, easy-to-use collection point. The surroundings reflect the quiet, rural character of this part of Maine — expect rolling hills, forest, and very little traffic. Nearby, there is a small park area that's pleasant for a short stroll or a peaceful break. The setting is especially scenic during fall foliage season, when the surrounding hardwoods put on a spectacular display. Cooper Spring is accessible year-round, day or night, and there is no fee to collect water. Because the spring is piped to the roadside, access is straightforward and suitable for visitors of all mobility levels. Bring your own containers — there are no facilities or dispensers on-site.