Herndon Natural Spring

## Overview Herndon Natural Spring is located in the small, unincorporated community of Herndon in Wyoming County, West Virginia. Nestled in the rugged Appalachian landscape of southern West Virginia, this public drinking spring has long served as a vital water source for local residents. The spring is known for producing notably cold water, and locals have historically relied on it to supply their household water needs — hauling water from the spring to refill cisterns and other storage containers. The spring has been tested alongside several others in the area. Testing has indicated the presence of sulfur, which is common in the mineral-rich geology of the Appalachian coalfields region. Sulfur-bearing springs often carry a distinctive taste and smell, though many residents continue to use the water regularly. Visitors interested in the spring's history and character are encouraged to speak with longtime residents of Herndon, who are said to be knowledgeable about the spring and the broader history of the area. It is worth noting that the nearby Itmann Spring is reportedly no longer active (defunct). Herndon Natural Spring, however, continues to flow and remains accessible to the public. ## Directions 1. Travel along **WV Route 10** toward the community of Herndon. 2. Turn onto **Jug Hollow Road**. 3. Cross the **railroad tracks**. 4. Immediately after crossing the **creek**, the spring will be on your **left-hand side**. The spring is accessible by vehicle — you can back up close to it for convenient water loading. The GPS coordinates are approximately **37.5052, -81.3400**, near 6981 Herndon Road, Herndon, WV 24726. ## What to Expect Herndon Natural Spring produces very cold water year-round, a characteristic typical of deep Appalachian springs fed by underground aquifers. The spring is situated along a rural road in a quiet, wooded hollow, and the surrounding area reflects the historic coal-country character of Wyoming County. The spring is vehicle-accessible, making it practical for visitors who want to collect water in larger quantities. Locals have been reported to use the spring to fill cisterns and jugs, and the site appears to be well-known and regularly used by the community. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by area residents, though visitors should be aware that sulfur has been detected in testing. Wyoming County and the surrounding region are steeped in West Virginia history — from the coal mining era to the broader story of Appalachian settlement. A visit to Herndon Natural Spring offers a glimpse into the enduring relationship between mountain communities and their natural water sources.