Ganioda'yo Spring, Lewis Run, PA

## Overview Ganioda'yo Spring is a natural spring tucked into the forested hills of Lafayette Township in McKean County, Pennsylvania, deep within the Allegheny Mountains. The spring sits at an elevation typical of the rugged, heavily wooded terrain that defines this corner of northwestern Pennsylvania — a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces and blanketed in mixed hardwood and hemlock forest. The spring flows freely and is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost. Water emerges from the ground and is channeled through a rubber hose into a metal collection basin, making it relatively easy to fill containers. The water has been reported to be pure and clean-tasting by visitors who have collected from this source over the years. The name "Ganioda'yo" is a Seneca word — the Seneca Nation being one of the six nations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, whose ancestral lands encompassed much of this region of Pennsylvania. The name reflects the deep indigenous heritage of the area. While the spring is a beloved local resource, it can be challenging to locate due to its remote, forested setting near the small community of Lewis Run. ## Directions 1. From the town of Lafayette (or Lewis Run), head **north on Big Shanty Road**. 2. Continue along Big Shanty Road until you reach the intersection with **Taintor Drive**. 3. The spring is located in the wooded area near this intersection — look for the rubber hose and metal basin set back from the road among the trees. 4. If you have trouble locating the exact spot, local residents are familiar with the spring and can point you in the right direction. **GPS Coordinates:** 41.8088, -78.675743 ## What to Expect Ganioda'yo Spring is a rustic, no-frills natural water source in a remote forest setting. There are no signs, facilities, or formal infrastructure — just a rubber hose directing the spring's flow into a metal catch basin. The surrounding Allegheny Mountain forest is quiet and scenic, especially during autumn when the hardwoods turn. A few things to keep in mind: - **Finding the spring takes some effort.** It is not prominently marked, and the forested terrain can make it easy to walk right past. Using the GPS coordinates and asking locals will greatly improve your chances. - **Cold-weather visits require patience.** Filling large containers during winter can be uncomfortable due to the frigid temperatures and slower flow. Dress warmly and bring gloves. - **Bring appropriate containers.** The hose-and-basin setup works well for jugs and bottles, but very large containers may take time to fill. - **Road conditions may vary seasonally.** Big Shanty Road and Taintor Drive are rural roads in mountainous terrain; exercise caution during winter weather or after heavy rain. This is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path spring that rewards those willing to seek it out — a quiet spot in the Pennsylvania highlands where visitors have been collecting fresh mountain spring water for years.