Curtis Creek Spring, Old Fort, NC

## Overview Curtis Creek Spring is a piped natural spring located along Curtis Creek Road in the Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort, North Carolina. Nestled in the wooded mountains of McDowell County, this public drinking spring offers free-flowing water year-round through a pipe, making it a convenient stop for hikers, campers, and water enthusiasts exploring the Curtis Creek area. The spring sits in a scenic stretch of forest alongside Curtis Creek, one of the oldest designated national forest watersheds in the eastern United States — Curtis Creek was among the first tracts of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911, which established national forests in the Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding landscape is rich with hardwood forests, mountain laurel, and the gentle sounds of the creek, making this a rewarding spot to visit even beyond the water itself. Visitors have reported that the water from this spring tastes clean and fresh, and it has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers passing through the area. That said, the immediate surroundings can accumulate some dust and road grit due to the spring's proximity to the gravel road, so some visitors prefer to use a container with a narrow opening when collecting water. ## Directions 1. From the town of **Old Fort, NC**, head north on **Curtis Creek Road** (also known as Forest Road 482). 2. Follow Curtis Creek Road as it winds into the Pisgah National Forest. The road is narrow, unpaved in sections, and follows the creek closely — drive carefully. 3. From the **Curtis Creek Campground**, continue heading **north** along Curtis Creek Road. 4. The spring will appear on your **right-hand side** just a short distance past the campground area. Look for a pipe emerging from the hillside near the roadside. 5. GPS coordinates: **35.690716, -82.196304** (approximate address: 5072 Curtis Creek Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762). *Note: Curtis Creek Road can be rough, especially after rain. A vehicle with decent ground clearance is recommended. Motorcycles and bicycles may find the road challenging.* ## What to Expect The spring is piped out from the hillside and flows freely, making it easy to fill bottles or jugs directly. Water flows year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally. The setting is wooded and peaceful, with Curtis Creek running nearby — a beautiful spot to pause and enjoy the natural scenery of the southern Appalachian Mountains. The area around the spring is close to the reconstructed road surface, so there may be some dust or sediment near the collection point, particularly during dry weather or after vehicle traffic. A few things to keep in mind: - **Road conditions:** Curtis Creek Road is a narrow, winding forest road with gravel and dirt sections. It's best suited for cars, trucks, or SUVs rather than two-wheeled vehicles. - **Timing:** The spring is accessible during daylight hours. Visiting after dark is not recommended, as the road has no lighting and limited cell service in the area. - **Nearby recreation:** Curtis Creek Campground is just down the road and offers a great base for exploring the area. The surrounding forest has trails, fishing opportunities in Curtis Creek, and scenic mountain views. - **Social visit:** The spring and its surroundings make for a pleasant outing with friends or a partner — pack a picnic and enjoy the mountain air. This is a well-known local water source in the Old Fort area and a worthwhile stop for anyone traveling through the Pisgah National Forest.