Public Drinking Spring

Elephant Rock Spring,Gaines, PA, 16921

153, State Rte 349, Gaines, PA 16921, US

Elephant Rock Spring,Gaines, PA, 16921
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About This Spring

## Overview Elephant Rock Spring is a popular public drinking spring located just north of the small community of Gaines in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Situated along State Route 349, this roadside spring has long been a convenient stop for locals and travelers passing through the scenic northern tier of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The spring sits near GPS coordinates 41.76998, -77.562591, at approximately 153 State Route 349. Tioga County is known for its rugged, forested terrain and abundance of natural water sources fed by the region's sandstone and shale geology. Elephant Rock Spring draws its name from a distinctive rock formation in the area and has been reported to produce great-tasting water that visitors return for regularly. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Pennsylvania Wilds — rolling hills, dense hardwood and conifer forests, and a quiet, rural atmosphere. ## Directions 1. From the village of Gaines, PA, head north on **State Route 349**. 2. The spring is located roadside along RT 349, a short drive north of town. 3. Look for the spring on the right-hand side of the road near the address marker **153 State Route 349**. 4. There is ample parking available at the spring, making it an easy and accessible stop. ## What to Expect Elephant Rock Spring is one of the more accessible public springs in the region — no hiking or off-road driving required. The spring is right along State Route 349 with plenty of room to pull over and park. Visitors have consistently reported that the water tastes clean and refreshing, and the spring appears to flow reliably. The area around the spring is pleasant and well-maintained, with a welcoming, small-town feel. Gaines and the surrounding Tioga County countryside offer additional outdoor recreation opportunities, including proximity to the Pine Creek Gorge (Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon"), state forests, and numerous trout streams. If you're road-tripping through the northern tier of Pennsylvania, Elephant Rock Spring makes for a worthwhile and easy stop to fill up your water jugs and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Bring containers if you'd like to take water home — many visitors do. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions, and the water has not been confirmed as tested or treated.

Getting There

Address

153, State Rte 349, Gaines, PA 16921, US

GPS Coordinates

41.769980, -77.562591

Directions

Community Submitted

Directions 1. From the village of Gaines, PA, head north on **State Route 349**. 2. The spring is located roadside along RT 349, a short drive north of town. 3. Look for the spring on the right-hand side of the road near the address marker **153 State Route 349**. 4. There is ample parking available at the spring, making it an easy and accessible stop.

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Water Safety Disclaimer

Try Water does not independently test, verify, or guarantee the quality, safety, or potability of any water source listed on this site. Listings are based on publicly available data, community contributions, and historical reports — not laboratory analysis.

Water conditions at natural springs can change at any time due to weather, contamination, agricultural runoff, seasonal variation, or other environmental factors. A spring that was safe to drink from yesterday may not be safe today.

Always test water yourself before drinking. We strongly recommend using a portable water testing kit or filter (such as a LifeStraw) and consulting local health authorities when in doubt. Never rely solely on the information provided here when making decisions about drinking from a natural water source.

By using this site, you acknowledge that you assume all risk associated with visiting and consuming water from any listed source.

Quick Facts

TypePublic Drinking Spring
AccessPublic

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Tips

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Bring empty jugs or bottles to fill up.

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Accessible by road — pull off carefully.

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Parking available nearby.

Safety Info

Always test or filter water from natural springs before drinking. Water quality can change seasonally.

Bring your own containers. A portable water filter like a LifeStraw is recommended.

Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.