Iron Mountain Jenkins Spring,Unicoi, TN 37692

## Overview Iron Mountain Jenkins Spring is a beloved natural spring located near Unicoi, Tennessee, in the heart of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Situated close to the Appalachian Trail along Iron Mountain, this spring has been a trusted source of fresh, cold water for mountain residents for over 60 years. Its long history of local use speaks to the quality and reliability of the water, which visitors have consistently reported as clean and refreshing. The spring sits at an elevation along Iron Mountain, fed by the ancient geology of the Blue Ridge province — part of the broader Appalachian chain known for its abundant groundwater resources. Iron-rich rock formations in the area likely give the mountain its name and may contribute trace minerals to the spring water, though no formal water quality analysis is currently available. ## Directions 1. From the town of Unicoi, TN, head toward Iron Mountain via Highway 107. 2. Travel up toward the top of Iron Mountain. 3. As you begin descending from the summit, watch for the **first sharp left-hand turn**. 4. At this turn, you'll find a small **pull-off area** on the side of the road where vehicles can park and unload. 5. The spring is accessible directly from this pull-off — look for small hoses that channel the spring water for easy collection. *GPS coordinates: 36.145394, -82.231636 — use these if the pull-off is difficult to spot.* ## What to Expect Iron Mountain Jenkins Spring is a roadside spring with a simple, no-frills setup that locals have relied on for decades. Small hoses have been placed at the spring outlet, making it easy to fill jugs, bottles, and other containers directly. The water flows cold year-round, a characteristic of springs fed by deep groundwater in the Appalachian highlands. The pull-off area is small but accommodates several vehicles. There are no facilities, signage, or formal infrastructure — this is a community spring in the truest sense, maintained by the tradition of the people who use it. Because of its proximity to the Appalachian Trail, hikers occasionally stop here to top off their water supply. The surrounding landscape is classic southern Appalachian forest — lush hardwoods, rhododendron thickets, and mountain views, especially striking during fall foliage season. The spring is accessible year-round by vehicle, though winter conditions on Iron Mountain roads may require caution during ice or snow events. While mountain residents have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, no formal water testing results are publicly available. Visitors should be aware that untested spring water may carry risks, and many locals choose to treat or filter the water as a precaution.