Hellbender Run, Tionesta, PA

## Overview Hellbender Run is a beloved public drinking spring located approximately 2.5 miles from downtown Tionesta in Forest County, Pennsylvania. Named after the hellbender salamander — North America's largest salamander species, which inhabits the clean, cold waterways of the Allegheny Plateau — this spring draws from deep within the bedrock near the summit of a large mountain along Route 36. The water emerges through a concrete spring box fitted with rubber tubing that channels the flow to a convenient filling station beside a small parking area. The spring has long been a popular stop for locals and visitors alike, seeing especially heavy use during the summer months and Pennsylvania's hunting seasons. Its location in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest region, surrounded by the rugged, heavily wooded hills of Forest County, makes it a natural waypoint for outdoor enthusiasts heading to Tionesta Lake, the Allegheny River, or the surrounding state game lands. Visitors have historically used the spring as a drinking water source, and it remains a well-known community water stop in the area. ## Directions 1. From downtown Tionesta, head north on **Route 36** (State Route 36). 2. Continue past the signs for **Tionesta Dam and Tionesta Lake**, traveling approximately **2 miles**. 3. Begin ascending the hill. The spring is located about **¾ of a mile up the hill on your right**. 4. Look for the concrete spring structure and the small **parking area** adjacent to the road. The spring is situated at approximately **1374 State Route 36, Tionesta, PA 16353**. GPS coordinates: **41.459969, -79.426689**. ## What to Expect Hellbender Run is a roadside spring with easy access directly off Route 36 — no hiking required. The setup is straightforward: a concrete spring box channels water through rubber tubing to a small filling station where you can fill jugs, bottles, or other containers. A parking area right beside the spring makes it simple to pull over and collect water. The spring flows year-round and is accessible at all hours. Because it draws directly from bedrock near the mountaintop, the water tends to be cold and clear. During peak times — particularly summer weekends and the fall hunting season — expect to share the spring with other visitors, as it is one of the most well-known springs in Forest County. The surrounding landscape is classic Allegheny Plateau terrain: steep, forested hills blanketed in hardwoods and hemlock. If you're visiting during autumn, the drive along Route 36 offers stunning fall foliage. The nearby Tionesta Lake and Dam are worth a stop for fishing, boating, or picnicking, making Hellbender Run a convenient addition to a day exploring the area.