Johnson Spring, Lafayette, TN

## Overview Johnson Spring is a free-flowing natural spring located along Long Creek Road in Lafayette, Tennessee, in Macon County. The spring water flows through plastic pipes and is easily accessible right from the roadside — no hiking required. The water runs cold year-round and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Macon County has a long history of prized spring water, and Johnson Spring is no exception. Locals have spoken highly of this spring for generations. According to one longtime area family, a grandfather used to drive all the way from his home specifically to fill up at Johnson Spring — even though he had his own spring on his property. He claimed it was the best-tasting water in the region. It's also worth noting that Macon County has attracted commercial water bottling interest; Nestlé has sourced water from this county, which speaks to the area's reputation for high-quality groundwater. ## Directions 1. Head to the intersection of **New Bethel Road** and **Long Creek Road** in Lafayette, TN. Note that New Bethel Road intersects Long Creek Road in two places — you want the **northernmost intersection**. 2. Look for a **large red barn** on the corner as your landmark. 3. The spring is located near **2295 Long Creek Road**, right off the road. GPS coordinates: **36.551685, -86.089386**. 4. The spring can be a bit tricky to spot, so keep an eye out for the plastic pipes where the water flows. Using the GPS coordinates in a navigation app is recommended. ## What to Expect Johnson Spring is a simple, no-frills roadside spring — the kind of place locals have quietly relied on for years. The water flows freely through plastic pipes that are accessible directly from the road, so there's no need to walk any trails or navigate rough terrain. The water runs cold, which visitors have found refreshing, especially during the warmer months. The surrounding area is rural Macon County countryside, with rolling farmland and a peaceful atmosphere. The large red barn at the nearby intersection of New Bethel Road and Long Creek Road serves as a helpful visual landmark. There are no posted hours or gates — the spring is accessible around the clock. Because the spring sits right along the road, parking is informal; simply pull off to the side. Bring your own containers to fill up. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, and visitors have reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and fresh, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and has not been independently verified.