Hearts Content Spring

## Overview Hearts Content Spring is a public drinking spring located in Limestone Township, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest region. The spring sits at an elevation consistent with the rolling, heavily forested terrain of Warren County in northwestern Pennsylvania — an area renowned for its old-growth forests, pristine waterways, and rich natural heritage. The name "Hearts Content" is shared with the nearby Hearts Content Scenic Area, a celebrated 120-acre stand of old-growth white pine and eastern hemlock managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This pocket of ancient forest, one of the last remaining virgin timber tracts in Pennsylvania, has drawn nature lovers and hikers since the early 20th century. While the direct historical connection between the spring and the scenic area is not fully documented, the shared name suggests the spring has long been a recognized natural feature in this landscape. The surrounding geology — predominantly sedimentary rock with layers of limestone and sandstone from the Devonian and Carboniferous periods — provides ideal conditions for natural spring formation, as groundwater filters through mineral-rich strata before emerging at the surface. Historically, roadside springs like this one have served as important water sources for travelers, loggers, and residents of rural northwestern Pennsylvania. Visitors have reported that the water from Hearts Content Spring is clean and refreshing, and it has been used as a drinking water source by locals and passersby for many years. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions and should be consumed at the visitor's own discretion. ## Directions 1. The spring is located in Limestone Township, Warren County, Pennsylvania. 2. From the town of Warren, PA, head south on Pleasant Drive / SR 3005 toward the Hearts Content area of the Allegheny National Forest. 3. Follow signs toward Hearts Content Scenic Area and Hearts Content Campground along Hearts Content Road. 4. The spring is situated near the GPS coordinates **41.689498, -79.33283**. Use these coordinates in a GPS device or mapping app for precise navigation, as the spring is in a rural, forested area where road signage may be limited. 5. Look for a roadside pull-off or pipe outlet — springs in this region are often marked by a simple pipe emerging from a hillside near the road. *Note: Cell service can be unreliable in the Allegheny National Forest. Download offline maps before your trip.* ## What to Expect Hearts Content Spring is set in the lush, densely wooded landscape of northwestern Pennsylvania. The surrounding Allegheny National Forest offers towering hardwoods, hemlocks, and a quiet, remote atmosphere that feels far removed from urban life. Visitors can expect a peaceful, natural setting with minimal development. The spring is publicly accessible and has historically been used as a roadside drinking water source. Water typically flows from a pipe or natural outlet, making it easy to fill bottles. Flow rates may vary seasonally — spring and early summer tend to offer the strongest flow following snowmelt and seasonal rains, while late summer and fall may see reduced output during drier periods. If you're visiting the spring, consider combining your trip with a stop at the nearby Hearts Content Scenic Area, where a short interpretive trail winds through towering old-growth trees — some over 300 years old and reaching heights of more than 150 feet. The Hearts Content Campground, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is also nearby and offers rustic campsites for those looking to extend their stay in this beautiful corner of Pennsylvania. The roads in this area are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and winding. Winter conditions may make access more challenging, so plan accordingly if visiting between November and April.