Grotto Spring, Emmitsburg, MD 21727

## Overview Grotto Spring is a natural mountain spring located on the grounds of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, one of the oldest American replicas of the famed Lourdes grotto in France. The shrine sits on the scenic campus of Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, nestled in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains. The spring has long been a draw for visitors seeking both spiritual renewal and refreshing natural water. The Grotto itself dates back to the early 19th century, when Father John DuBois — who later became Bishop of New York — discovered the mountainside setting and began using it as a place of prayer and reflection. Over the decades, the site evolved into a nationally recognized Catholic shrine, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year. The spring water, sometimes referred to as "Blessed Grotto Water," holds special significance for many of these visitors. The water has been reported to taste exceptionally clean, with a measured TDS (total dissolved solids) reading of approximately 10 ppm — remarkably low, indicating very pure, minimally mineralized water. This is consistent with a mountain spring filtering through the ancient metamorphic rock formations of the Blue Ridge province in western Maryland. ## Directions 1. From the town of Emmitsburg, MD, head south on **US-15 S** for about 1 mile. 2. Turn right (west) onto **Grotto Road** (also signed for Mount St. Mary's University / National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes). 3. Follow Grotto Road as it winds uphill onto the university grounds. The address is **16330 Grotto Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727**. 4. Look for signs directing you to the **National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes** and the **Miller Family Visitor's Center**, which is located nearby. 5. Park in the designated visitor parking area and follow the walking paths toward the Grotto. The spring is located within the shrine grounds. **GPS Coordinates:** 39.681562, -77.356217 ## What to Expect The Grotto Spring is situated within the beautifully maintained grounds of the National Shrine, surrounded by forest paths, religious statuary, and peaceful mountain scenery. The setting is serene and well-kept, making it a pleasant destination whether you're visiting for the water, the spiritual significance, or simply to enjoy the natural beauty of the Catoctin Mountain foothills. The spring is accessible during the shrine's visiting hours: **8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily**, with gates closing by 5:00 PM. The Miller Family Visitor's Center is nearby and can provide additional information about the grounds. Visitors have reported that the spring water tastes delicious, and the extremely low TDS reading of around 10 ppm suggests very soft, lightly mineralized water — among the purest you'll find from a natural spring. The site is well-established and easy to access, with paved and gravel paths leading through the shrine grounds. The area is open to the public and there is no admission fee to visit the Grotto. The surrounding landscape is especially beautiful in autumn when the hardwood forests of the Catoctin range put on a vivid display of fall color. Spring and summer visits are also rewarding, with lush greenery and wildflowers along the forest paths. The elevation and mountain setting can make temperatures a few degrees cooler than the surrounding lowlands, so a light layer is worth bringing in the shoulder seasons.