Kahe'ta Spring, Lewis Run, PA

## Overview Kahe'ta Spring is a natural spring located in Lafayette Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania, nestled within the Allegheny National Forest. The spring flows steadily from a white pipe roughly one to two inches in diameter, fed by a large underlying aquifer. The water emerges at a consistent rate — fast enough to fill an average container in a reasonable amount of time. Visitors have reported the water tastes fresh and clean, and it has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers along US Route 219. However, no laboratory water quality tests are known to have been conducted, so the water's safety has not been officially verified. The Allegheny National Forest, which surrounds this spring, spans over 500,000 acres of rugged Appalachian Plateau terrain in northwestern Pennsylvania. The region's geology — layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone deposited during the Paleozoic era — gives rise to numerous natural springs as groundwater filters through porous rock and emerges at the surface. Kahe'ta Spring is one of many such outlets that dot the forest, prized by spring water enthusiasts for their naturally filtered, cold-running water. ## Directions The spring is located just off US Highway 219 in Lafayette Township, near Lewis Run, PA. GPS coordinates: **41.823269, -78.694725**. 1. **Head west on Route 59** toward its intersection with US Highway 219. Look for **Tacks' Inn restaurant** at the intersection as a landmark. 2. **Turn onto US Highway 219** and continue north for a short distance. 3. Pass the **Central Baptist Church** on your right, then continue through the next intersection. 4. A few hundred meters ahead, look for a **wide shoulder or pull-off area** on the right side of the highway. There is ample parking space here — pull completely off the road and park safely. 5. From the parking area, **walk into the forest on the right (east) side of the road**, roughly 50 meters in. Follow an unmaintained path or old forest road that leads to the spring. **Important notes:** - The spring is **not visible from the road**, so do not try to spot it from your car. You must park and walk in. - If you reach a small secondary road while walking into the forest, you have gone too far — double back slightly. - Look for the faint, unconstructed path that leads directly to the pipe outlet. ## What to Expect Kahe'ta Spring is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path stop that rewards a short walk into the woods. The spring itself is modest — a white pipe protruding from the ground with a steady stream of water flowing out. The surrounding forest is typical of the Allegheny National Forest: mature hardwoods, ferns, and a peaceful woodland atmosphere. The walk from the road is short (approximately 50 meters) but the terrain is natural forest floor, so sturdy footwear is recommended, especially after rain when the ground may be muddy. The area is relatively flat and accessible for most visitors. Because the spring sits just off a busy highway, the parking area is convenient, but be mindful of traffic when pulling over and crossing the road. There are no facilities, signage, or amenities at the spring — this is a rustic, natural site. Plan to bring your own containers for collecting water. The spring flows year-round, though water volume may vary seasonally. Winter visitors should be prepared for icy conditions on the path and around the pipe outlet. The Allegheny National Forest is also home to abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, so keep an eye out during your visit.