Dripping Spring, Berea, KY

## Overview Dripping Spring is a natural public drinking spring located along Dripping Springs Road near Berea in Garrard County, Kentucky. The spring flows continuously from a pipe set into a large rock crag right beside the road, making it one of the more accessible roadside springs in the region. Visitors have reported that the water tastes clean and refreshing. The spring takes its name from the characteristic way water seeps and drips from the exposed rock formation — a common geological feature in central Kentucky's limestone-rich landscape, where groundwater filters through layers of sedimentary rock before emerging at the surface. The spring is open at all hours, as it sits just off the road with no gates or restricted access. It's a classic example of the many roadside springs that have long served as informal watering stops for travelers throughout rural Kentucky. ## Directions 1. From Berea or the surrounding area, make your way to **Highway 21** (also known as State Highway 21). 2. At the junction with **Route 954**, turn left onto Highway 21 heading toward **Dripping Springs Road**. 3. Follow Dripping Springs Road for approximately **4 miles**. The spring is located along a large bend in the road. 4. Watch for the rock crag on the side of the road — the pipe and flowing water should be visible from the road. *Note: The route via Dripping Springs Road may not appear as the most direct path on GPS or mapping apps, but it is the established local route to reach the spring.* The nearest address for navigation purposes is approximately **4379 State Hwy 3246, Crab Orchard, KY 40419**. GPS coordinates: **37.532055, -84.444351**. ## What to Expect Dripping Spring is a simple, no-frills roadside spring. Water flows continuously from a pipe that has been set into a large rock crag, so there's no need to pump or collect dripping water — you can fill a bottle directly from the pipe. The spring sits just a short distance from the road, requiring no hiking or trail access. The surrounding area features the rolling hills and wooded hollows typical of Garrard County in central Kentucky. The rock crag itself is a scenic feature worth appreciating, with mosses and ferns often growing around the damp stone. There are no formal facilities, restrooms, or parking areas — visitors typically pull off to the side of the road near the spring. Because the spring is open and unenclosed, it's accessible year-round, though water flow may vary seasonally. Winter visitors should be cautious of icy conditions on the road and around the spring area.