Higley Flow Spring, Colton, NY

## Overview Higley Flow Spring is a public drinking spring located along Cottage Road in the town of Colton, in St. Lawrence County, New York. Situated in the heart of the Adirondack foothills, this small but reliable spring features a continuous flow of water from a pipe that protrudes from the hillside. The spring sits just opposite Higley Flow — a scenic, wide section of the Raquette River created by the Higley Flow Dam — making it a convenient stop for paddlers, campers, and visitors exploring nearby Higley Flow State Park. Colton and the surrounding area have a long history tied to logging, river drives, and Adirondack recreation. The Raquette River corridor has been used by travelers and residents for generations, and roadside springs like this one have historically served as refreshment stops for locals and passersby alike. Visitors have reported that the water flows steadily year-round and tastes clean, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and has not been independently verified. The spring is open 24/7, 365 days a year, and is freely accessible to the public. ## Directions The nearest reference address is **10 Cottage Road, Colton, NY 13625**. The GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately **44.522202, -74.938934**. 1. From the village of Colton, head southwest on **Route 56**. 2. Continue southwest as Route 56 becomes **Gulf Road**. 3. Travel approximately **3 miles** along Gulf Road. 4. Turn **right** onto **Cottage Road**. 5. Follow Cottage Road for about **1/8 mile (roughly 660 feet)**. 6. The spring will be on your **right side**, just opposite Higley Flow on the Raquette River. The spring pipe is visible from the road, so keep an eye on the right-hand embankment as you drive slowly down Cottage Road. ## What to Expect Higley Flow Spring is a modest, no-frills roadside spring. Water flows continuously from a small pipe that protrudes from the hillside, making it easy to fill bottles or jugs directly. The flow has been described as steady and consistent throughout the year. The setting is peaceful and scenic. Cottage Road runs alongside Higley Flow — a calm, wide stretch of the Raquette River backed by mixed Adirondack forest. In autumn, the surrounding hardwoods put on a striking display of fall color. The area is also popular with kayakers and canoeists who use Higley Flow State Park, located nearby, as a launch point. There is no formal parking area at the spring itself, but the road shoulder provides enough space to pull over briefly. The spring is easily accessible from the road with no hiking required, making it a quick and convenient stop. Visitors should be mindful of seasonal conditions — winter ice and snow may make the road and spring area slippery, and spring runoff could temporarily affect water clarity.