Hemlock Trail Spring, Marshall, NC

## Overview Hemlock Trail Spring is a small, naturally occurring spring located along Panhandle Road in the hills above Marshall, North Carolina, in Madison County. The spring emerges from the hillside and drains into a small collection pool that is partly underground and partially covered with stones and a metal plate, funneling water into a small basin at the bottom of the trail. The spring flows year-round and is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. According to a neighboring homeowner named Paul, the water was tested at one point and showed trace amounts of fecal coliform, which he attributed to the presence of salamanders in and around the spring — a common occurrence in the moist, forested environments of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Unfortunately, the original test results were lost (burned for firewood during winter), so current water quality data is not available. Visitors should be aware that no recent or verified water quality testing is on record for this spring. The spring sits in a lush, wooded area near the Prama Institute, a wellness and yoga retreat center, giving the surrounding landscape a quiet, contemplative feel. Marshall itself is a charming small town nestled along the French Broad River, and the drive up Panhandle Road offers scenic mountain views typical of western North Carolina. ## Directions The nearest reference address is **310 Panhandle Road, Marshall, NC**. GPS coordinates: **35.762585, -82.65686**. 1. From **US-25/70 (Old Marshall Highway / NC-251)**, turn onto **Panhandle Road**. You will see a sign for the **Prama Institute** at or near this turn. 2. Continue driving **up Panhandle Road**, climbing into the hills. 3. Watch for the **first driveway on your right**. 4. The spring emerges at the base of the hillside near this driveway, flowing into a small dog-bowl-sized basin at the bottom. The spring is roadside and does not require a significant hike, though the road is steep and winding. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended. ## What to Expect Hemlock Trail Spring is a modest, rustic spring — not a grand showpiece, but a quiet, reliable water source tucked into the Appalachian hillside. The water flows from the ground into a small pool that is partially enclosed by stones and topped with a metal plate, then trickles down into a small basin (described by the original submitter as resembling a "doggy bowl"). The flow appears to be perennial. The surrounding area is forested and peaceful, with the dense hemlock and hardwood canopy typical of this part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Salamanders are commonly found near the spring, which is a good ecological indicator of clean, cool water — though it also explains the trace fecal coliform detected in the past. There are no formal facilities, signage, or parking areas at the spring. Visitors should be respectful of the adjacent private property and the neighboring homeowner. The spring is located near a residential driveway, so discretion and courtesy go a long way. Because the road climbs in elevation, conditions may be slippery or icy in winter months. The spring itself remains accessible year-round.