Freeman Tract Spring, Bushkill, Pennsylvania

## Overview Freeman Tract Spring is a natural spring located near Bushkill, Pennsylvania, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — one of the most scenic protected areas along the Delaware River corridor. The spring is sheltered by a charming stone structure and features a bubbling flow that has drawn visitors for years. Nestled along the historic Old Mine Road, one of the oldest continuously used roads in the United States, the spring sits in a landscape rich with natural beauty and colonial-era history. The spring water has not been formally tested for potability, so visitors should exercise caution before drinking directly from the source. Some visitors have chosen to filter the water before tasting it, but no official water quality data is available. Many people enjoy wading or taking a dip in the cool spring water during warmer months. The corrected GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately **41.1046, -74.9442**, and the nearest address is **1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324, United States**. Note that the listing address of 380 Old Mine Road in Columbia, NJ, refers to a nearby point along the same road corridor but is not the spring's precise location. ## Directions The spring is located off the main road in a somewhat remote section of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Vehicle access may be limited on certain seasonal or unpaved roads, so plan accordingly. **From Millbrook Village Historic Site (approximately 12.8 miles):** 1. Head north on **Old Mine Road** toward Orchard Trail for about **2.1 miles**. 2. Turn left onto **National Park Service Road 615 / Old Mine Road** and continue for approximately **5.3 miles**. 3. Take a slight right onto **Pompey Road** and drive for about **1.1 miles**. 4. Take a sharp right onto **National Park Service Road 615 / Walpack Flatbrook Road**. 5. Continue for approximately **4.3 miles** to reach the area near the spring. Parking is available at designated lots within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. From the parking area, the spring is a short walk off the road. A motorcycle or smaller vehicle may be easier to navigate on the narrower access roads, though most standard vehicles can reach the main parking areas. ## What to Expect Freeman Tract Spring is set in a lush, wooded area along the Delaware River. The stone shelter over the spring gives it a rustic, picturesque quality, and the surrounding trail is often lined with wildflowers — especially vibrant during spring and autumn. These two seasons offer the best visiting conditions, with comfortable temperatures and peak natural beauty. **Seasonal access note:** Some roads in the recreation area may be closed during winter months due to snow and ice. Check with the National Park Service for current road conditions before planning a winter visit. The area around the spring connects to several hiking trails within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Trails are clearly marked and generally pet-friendly. Some trails and nearby attractions, including the famous **Bushkill Falls** (often called the "Niagara of Pennsylvania"), charge separate admission fees. Many visitors combine a trip to the spring with a hike to one or more of the surrounding waterfalls — a rewarding experience that showcases the region's dramatic gorges and cascading water features. The trail network offers routes of varying difficulty and length, so there's something for casual walkers and experienced hikers alike. Most visitors find the combination of the spring, the falls, and the forested trails well worth the trip.