Lithia Springs, Shelby, North Carolina

## Overview Lithia Springs is a well-known local spring in Shelby, North Carolina, located in Cleveland County. Residents have relied on this spring for years as a source of fresh, naturally flowing water. The spring takes its name from lithium — a mineral historically associated with natural springs across the western North Carolina foothills, where lithium-bearing geological formations are common. The area around Shelby sits within the Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt, one of the richest lithium deposits in the world, which likely contributes to the spring's name and mineral character. The spring flows through a PVC pipe, making it easy for visitors to fill jugs and containers. Locals have long reported that the water tastes clean and refreshing, and it has historically been used as a drinking water source by the surrounding community. The setting is modest but pleasant — a short walk across a wooden bridge leads to the spring at the end of a walkway, offering a quiet retreat just minutes from the bustle of Highway 18. ## Directions 1. From downtown Shelby, head toward **Highway 18 (S Lafayette Street)**. 2. Locate the **Ingles** grocery store on Highway 18. 3. Go behind the Ingles to find **Springbrook Drive**. 4. Follow Springbrook Drive to its end. 5. Cross the **wooden bridge** at the end of the road. 6. Follow the walkway — the spring is at the end, flowing from a **PVC pipe**. **GPS Coordinates:** 35.33019, -81.528618 **Nearest Address:** 191 State Rd 1843, Shelby, NC 28150 ## What to Expect Lithia Springs is an easy-to-access public spring with a short, flat walk from the end of Springbrook Drive. After crossing a small wooden bridge, a walkway leads directly to the spring outlet — a PVC pipe from which water flows steadily. The setup is simple and functional, designed for filling water jugs and bottles. The surrounding area is a quiet, semi-wooded neighborhood pocket tucked behind the commercial strip along Highway 18. There are no formal facilities at the spring itself, so plan accordingly. The spring is accessible year-round, though flow may vary with seasonal rainfall. Visitors often bring multiple containers to stock up on water. Because this is an unmonitored natural spring, water quality is not officially tested or guaranteed. While the spring has been used by locals as a drinking water source for many years, visitors should be aware that conditions can change over time.