Kennison Mountain, Buckeye,West Virginia

## Overview Nestled along Route 39 on Kennison Mountain near Buckeye in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, this roadside public drinking spring delivers ice-cold, crystal-clear water through a white pipe connected directly to the rock face. The spring is fed by water that travels from high on the mountain down through natural rock formations before emerging at road level — a testament to the geology of the Allegheny Highlands, where limestone and sandstone layers channel groundwater to the surface. Pocahontas County is known as the "Birthplace of Rivers," and its abundance of springs reflects the region's rich karst terrain and high annual rainfall. This particular spring has long served as a convenient stop for locals and travelers passing through the area. Visitors have reported the water tastes clean, cold, and refreshing, with a flow rate fast enough to fill a gallon jug in just a couple of minutes. The spring is freely accessible to the public year-round, with no restrictions on the amount of water you can collect. ## Directions 1. **Starting from Buckeye, WV**, head west toward US-219 N. 2. **Turn left** onto US-219 S and continue straight for approximately **4.2 miles**. 3. **Join Route 39** (WV-39 East) and continue for about **5.8 miles**, passing through the community of Raintown. 4. Watch for a **white pipe extending from the rocks** on the **right side of the road**. The pipe is visible directly from Route 39 — you won't need to leave the roadside. 5. **Pull off** onto the wide shoulder area next to the spring. There is ample space for cars and even semi trucks to park safely. **GPS Coordinates:** 38.187517, -80.247123 ## What to Expect This is a true roadside spring — no hiking required. The white pipe protrudes from the rock face right alongside Route 39, making it one of the most accessible natural springs in the area. Water flows steadily from the pipe, and visitors can simply hold a container underneath to fill up. The pull-off area is generous, with enough room for multiple vehicles, including large trucks. Because the spring sits right at road level, it's an easy stop whether you're on a dedicated water run or just passing through on a scenic drive. The water has been reported to taste clean and exceptionally cold. During the summer months, some visitors have noted a slight leafy taste, likely due to organic material from the surrounding forest canopy interacting with surface runoff near the pipe. If you have any concerns about water quality, consider using a portable testing kit before drinking. The surrounding landscape is classic Pocahontas County — lush Appalachian hardwood forest, mountain ridgelines, and quiet two-lane roads. Route 39 itself is a scenic corridor that connects to attractions like Cranberry Glades and the Cranberry Wilderness, making this spring a natural waypoint on a day of exploring the highlands.