Harmon Spring

## Overview Harmon Spring is a remote, naturally occurring spring tucked between the forested hills near Chadwick in Christian County, Missouri. Situated in the rugged Ozark terrain, this spring emerges from the landscape without any pipe, spout, or man-made structure — the water simply flows from the earth into a small stream. The surrounding area is heavily wooded and largely untouched, which visitors say helps keep both the water and the environment remarkably clean. The water quality has been reported to be excellent by those who have made the trek to find it, though — like any wild water source — it has not been formally tested or certified as potable. The Ozarks region of southern Missouri is well known for its karst geology, where limestone bedrock is riddled with caves, sinkholes, and underground aquifers that feed countless springs. Harmon Spring is one of these hidden gems, flowing from the hills in a setting that feels almost untouched by modern development. Its remoteness is both its greatest charm and its biggest challenge: this is not a roadside spring with easy access. Reaching it requires a multi-mile hike through dense forest, and the spring itself can be very difficult to locate without careful navigation. ## Directions Harmon Spring is located in Lead Hill Township, near Chadwick, Missouri. The GPS coordinates are **36.908333, -92.97222**. 1. **Head south on Monarch Road** toward Chadwick Road. 2. **Turn right (west) onto Chadwick Road** and continue driving for several miles. 3. **Find a safe place to park** along the road. There is no designated trailhead or parking area. 4. **Hike north into the forest** for approximately 2–3 miles. The spring is nestled between hills in a wooded area with no marked trail leading to it. 5. **Use GPS navigation** — a handheld GPS device or a reliable offline map app is strongly recommended, as cell service in this area can be spotty or nonexistent. The spring is very difficult to find without precise coordinates. *Note: These directions are based on the original submitter's description and have not been independently verified. Conditions and road names may vary. Scout the area on satellite imagery before your trip to help identify terrain features near the coordinates.* ## What to Expect Harmon Spring is a true backcountry water source. There is no developed infrastructure — no pipe, no basin, no signage. The water flows naturally from the hillside into a small stream, so you will need to fill containers directly from the flowing water at the source. **Access & Terrain:** Expect a strenuous, off-trail hike of several miles each way through hilly, forested Ozark terrain. The return trip is largely uphill, which makes carrying heavy loads of water exhausting. The original visitor strongly recommends carrying **no more than 5 gallons** of water on the return hike, as hauling larger containers (10 gallons or more) uphill through the woods can be extremely tiring and potentially unsafe. **What to Bring:** - A reliable GPS device or offline mapping app with the coordinates pre-loaded - Sturdy hiking boots — the terrain is uneven and wooded - Smaller, manageable water containers (5 gallons max recommended) - Plenty of your own drinking water for the hike itself - Bug spray and tick protection, especially in warmer months — the Ozark woods are known for ticks **Seasonal Notes:** The Ozarks can be hot and humid in summer and cold in winter. Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable hiking conditions. Water flow may vary seasonally, with stronger flow after periods of rain. **Surroundings:** The setting is peaceful and wild — dense hardwood forest, rolling hills, and the quiet sounds of nature. For those willing to put in the effort, Harmon Spring rewards visitors with a genuinely remote and unspoiled natural experience that few people ever see.