Henryton Spring, Marriottsville, Maryland

## Overview Henryton Spring is a roadside natural spring located within the scenic Patapsco Valley State Park near Marriottsville, Maryland. Nestled along a forested hillside in Carroll County, the spring offers a convenient and accessible source of cool, refreshing water for passersby and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The spring flows continuously through what appears to be a steel pipe running down the hillside, with the final stretch transitioning to PVC pipe before reaching the outlet at road level. Despite the piping, the water moves at a brisk rate — reported at approximately 1.5 gallons per minute — and visitors have noted that the water tastes clean, cool, and refreshing, even during warmer months like May. The surrounding area is entirely wooded parkland with no buildings or hardscapes in sight, giving the spring a peaceful, natural setting. Because the spring sits along Henryton Road, a route that can see fast-moving vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles, visitors should exercise caution when pulling over and crossing the road. The spring is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. While the water has been reported to taste pleasant and has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, it is always advisable to have the water tested for quality before relying on it regularly. ## Directions The nearest reference address is **8067 Henryton Road, Marriottsville, MD** (a horse camp located just down the road from the spring). 1. If heading east on **I-70**, take the exit for **Route 32 North** toward Sykesville. 2. Continue north on **Route 32** for several miles until you reach the Sykesville area. 3. Turn right onto **Raincliffe Road**. 4. Turn left onto **Arrington Road**. 5. Continue as the road becomes **Henryton Road**. 6. Drive a short distance along Henryton Road. Watch for a driveway on your right — pull into this driveway to safely turn around. 7. Cross over to the opposite side of the road. The spring outlet is located just across from the driveway, right at the roadside along the base of the hill. 8. There is a wider shoulder area nearby that can be used for parking. **GPS Coordinates:** 39.356125, -76.913879 ## What to Expect Henryton Spring is one of the easier roadside springs to access in the greater Baltimore–Washington area. The outlet is clearly visible from the road and requires no hiking or trail navigation — simply pull over, park on the shoulder, and walk a few steps to the pipe. The spring flows steadily year-round at an estimated 1.5 GPM, making it relatively quick to fill bottles. Visitors have described the water as cool and thirst-quenching. There is a small table near the spring where you can set your bottles while filling up. The surrounding landscape is the lush forest of **Patapsco Valley State Park**, one of Maryland's oldest and most popular state parks, spanning more than 16,000 acres along 32 miles of the Patapsco River valley. The park offers extensive hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping opportunities, so a visit to the spring pairs well with a day of outdoor recreation. **A note on road safety:** Henryton Road sees regular traffic, including trucks and motorcycles that can move at considerable speed. Be cautious when parking on the shoulder and crossing the road, especially during peak hours or weekends when the park sees heavier use.