Gardner Hill Spring

## Overview Gardner Hill Spring is a public drinking spring located in Fox Township, Elk County, Pennsylvania. Nestled in the rolling, forested hills of north-central Pennsylvania, this spring sits at approximately 41.2749° N, 78.6185° W — an area known for its abundant natural water sources, dense hardwood forests, and rural Appalachian character. Fox Township lies within the broader Allegheny Plateau region, where underground aquifers fed by rainfall percolating through layers of sandstone and shale give rise to numerous cold-water springs. The spring has historically served as a local source of fresh water for area residents and travelers. While no formal water quality testing data is currently available, springs in this part of Pennsylvania have long been valued by communities for their naturally filtered, cold groundwater. Visitors have historically used Gardner Hill Spring as a drinking water source, though water conditions can change over time. ## Directions 1. From the town of Kersey in Elk County, head south into Fox Township along local roads. 2. Navigate toward Gardner Hill, located in the rural interior of Fox Township. 3. The spring is situated at GPS coordinates **41.2749, -78.6185** — using a GPS device or smartphone navigation app with these coordinates is strongly recommended, as the area is rural with limited signage. 4. Look for a roadside spring outlet or pipe, which is typical of public drinking springs in this part of Pennsylvania. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. Road conditions in rural Elk County can vary seasonally, so plan accordingly, especially during winter months or after heavy rain.* ## What to Expect Gardner Hill Spring is located in a quiet, rural setting characteristic of Fox Township and the surrounding Elk County countryside. The landscape is dominated by mixed hardwood and conifer forests, with gently rolling terrain typical of the Allegheny Plateau. Visitors can expect a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience. As a public drinking spring, the site likely features a pipe or spout where water flows freely for collection. Springs in this region of Pennsylvania typically produce cold, clear water year-round, though flow rates may vary with seasonal rainfall and snowmelt. Spring and early summer often bring the strongest flows, while late summer and fall may see reduced output during drier periods. The area around Fox Township offers additional outdoor recreation opportunities, including proximity to the Elk State Forest and the Pennsylvania Wilds — one of the largest wild areas in the eastern United States. The region is also famous for its free-roaming elk herd, the only wild elk population in the northeastern U.S., which can sometimes be spotted in nearby fields and forests. Visitors should be prepared for limited cell service in this rural area and should download offline maps or note directions before heading out.