Indian Springs, Indian Springs State Park, Georgia

## Overview Indian Springs, located within Indian Springs State Park in Flovilla, Georgia, is one of the oldest natural springs in the southeastern United States. The park itself holds the distinction of being one of the oldest state parks in the nation, with roots tracing back to the early 19th century. The Creek (Muscogee) people long revered the spring for its perceived healing properties, and the name "Indian Springs" reflects this deep indigenous connection. The spring was a gathering place and sacred site for the Creek Nation well before European settlers arrived in the region. The spring water is notably rich in minerals, including sulfur and silica, which give it a distinctive sulfurous odor often compared to rotten eggs. This smell is completely normal for mineral springs of this type and is caused by dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas. Historically, visitors have traveled to Indian Springs specifically to collect the mineral-rich water, which has long been reputed to have therapeutic and healing qualities. The water has a reported pH of approximately 7, indicating a neutral balance — neither acidic nor basic. The spring is enclosed within a handsome stone springhouse structure, and access is free to the public. Visitors have reported tasting and collecting the water for personal use for generations. If the sulfur smell is off-putting, a common local tip is to collect the water and let it sit uncovered for a few days — the hydrogen sulfide gas will dissipate and the odor will fade. ## Directions The spring is located at **678 Lake Clarke Rd, Flovilla, GA 30216** (GPS: 33.247791, -83.931801), inside Indian Springs State Park. Here's how to get there from Flovilla: 1. From Flovilla, take a **left turn onto Route 23** heading toward Beaty Circle. You'll pass the Speedy Stop convenience store on your left. 2. Continue straight — you'll pass **Lake Flovilla Park** on your left. 3. After approximately **1.7 miles**, follow the deviation onto **Cenie Road** on the right. This road connects to **Highway 42**. 4. Turn **right onto Highway 42** and drive straight for about **0.2 miles**. 5. Look for a deviation on the **left** leading to **Spring Road**. Turn left onto Spring Road. 6. Follow Spring Road and you'll see **Indian Springs State Park** on your right. Along the way, you may notice **Big Sandy Creek** and **Aboothlacoosta Creek**. 7. Upon entering the park, the **stone springhouse** is located prominently near the park entrance — you can't miss it. ## What to Expect When you arrive at Indian Springs State Park, the spring is easy to find — it's housed in a distinctive stone structure right near the front of the park. The springhouse is an attractive, rustic enclosure built from local stone, and the water flows freely inside. The mineral water has a strong sulfur smell, which is entirely natural and expected for a spring with this mineral profile. Many visitors come specifically for the mineral content, and the spring has historically been used as a source of drinking water, though as with any natural water source, visitors should use their own discretion. **Park hours** are **7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily**, but note that the springhouse closes at sunset since there is no lighting inside the stone structure and it becomes quite dark. The surrounding park offers a beautiful natural setting with creeks, wooded trails, and a peaceful atmosphere. Indian Springs State Park also features picnic areas, a lake, and camping facilities, making it easy to combine a spring visit with a full day of outdoor recreation in Butts County, Georgia.