Handsome Lake Retreat Spring, Butchers Mill, PA

## Overview Handsome Lake Retreat Spring is a public drinking spring nestled within the Allegheny National Forest, just outside the boundaries of Chapman State Park in Warren County, Pennsylvania. The spring emerges from a natural fissure on a wooded hillside and flows into a small springhouse fitted with metal pipes that channel the water into a terracotta basin — a convenient setup for filling jugs or taking a refreshing drink. The water is notably clear and cold, and the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by visitors to the area. The spring feeds into Adams Run, a stream of ecological significance that is home to several rare native species, including the Eastern hellbender (*Cryptobranchus alleganiensis*) — a large, fully aquatic salamander that is considered an indicator of excellent water quality — as well as native brook trout. The presence of these sensitive species in the downstream watershed speaks to the quality of the water emerging from this hillside. The spring's name references Handsome Lake (Ganioda'yo), the influential Seneca leader and prophet who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Allegheny region holds deep significance for the Seneca Nation, and the surrounding forest lands were part of their ancestral territory for centuries before European settlement. ## Directions 1. From Clarendon, PA, head west on Chapman Dam Road. 2. Follow Chapman Dam Road for approximately 2 miles. 3. Watch for the spring on the **right-hand side** of the road. 4. There is a small parking area just before the spring — pull off here. The GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately **41.775242, -79.127808**. The nearest street address is 2003 Chapman Dam Rd, Clarendon, PA 16313. The spring is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. ## What to Expect The spring is roadside and easy to access — no hiking is required. You'll find a small, rustic springhouse built into the hillside where the water flows through metal pipes into a terracotta basin. The setup is well-suited for filling water bottles or small jugs directly from the flow. The surrounding area is lush Allegheny National Forest woodland, and the setting is peaceful and scenic. Chapman State Park is just up the road and offers camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking for those looking to extend their visit. Adams Run, which receives water from this spring, is worth exploring for its ecological richness — keep an eye out for brook trout in the clear stream water. The spring flows year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally. Winter visitors should be aware that the road and parking area may be affected by snow and ice. There are no restroom facilities at the spring itself, but Chapman State Park has full amenities nearby. For more information about the surrounding area, visit the Pennsylvania DCNR page for [Chapman State Park](http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/chapman.aspx).