Lucy Jane Avery Spring

## Overview Lucy Jane Avery Spring is a public drinking spring located in the rural town of Rowe, Massachusetts, in the scenic hills of Franklin County. Nestled in the western part of the state, Rowe sits along the eastern edge of the Berkshire Hills and the Deerfield River valley — a region known for its forested ridgelines, clean waterways, and deep New England heritage. The spring bears the name of a local individual, suggesting it has been a recognized community water source for generations, though detailed historical records about its naming remain elusive. Rowe itself is a small, quiet town with a population of only a few hundred residents, surrounded by thousands of acres of state forest land, including portions of the Monroe State Forest and nearby Pelham Lake Park. The area's underlying geology — predominantly metamorphic bedrock of schist and gneiss — naturally filters groundwater and has historically supported numerous springs throughout the region. Lucy Jane Avery Spring has been used as a public drinking water source by locals and visitors alike, and the water has historically been regarded as clean and refreshing, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions and should not be assumed safe without independent testing. ## Directions 1. The spring is located in the town of Rowe, Massachusetts (ZIP 01367). 2. Use GPS coordinates **42.6907, -72.9038** for navigation to the approximate location. 3. Rowe can be reached via Route 2 (the Mohawk Trail), one of the main east–west corridors through northwestern Massachusetts. From Route 2, head north into the town of Rowe using local roads. 4. Once in the Rowe area, look for signage or ask locally for the spring's exact roadside location, as rural springs in this region are often marked with small signs or stone enclosures near the road. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates and general area knowledge. If you have visited this spring and can provide more specific turn-by-turn directions, your contribution would be greatly appreciated.* ## What to Expect Visitors to Lucy Jane Avery Spring should expect a quintessential New England roadside spring experience. The surrounding landscape is heavily wooded, with mixed hardwood and conifer forests that are especially stunning during fall foliage season (typically mid-September through mid-October in this part of Massachusetts). As a public drinking spring, the site likely features some form of pipe, spout, or collection point where water emerges from the ground. Many similar springs in the region are set into stone or concrete enclosures along the roadside for easy access. Visitors often bring jugs or bottles to fill. The town of Rowe and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Deerfield River, which is popular for whitewater kayaking and trout fishing. The Mohawk Trail, one of America's oldest scenic routes, passes nearby and provides access to numerous overlooks, waterfalls, and historic sites. Winter visitors should be aware that roads in this area can be icy and that spring flow may be affected by freezing temperatures. Spring and summer are the most accessible seasons for a visit.