MD-488 Spring

## Overview MD-488 Spring is a public drinking spring located near La Plata in Charles County, Maryland. Situated along La Plata Road (MD-488), this roadside spring has served as a convenient water source for locals and travelers passing through the southern Maryland countryside. The spring sits in an area underlain by the Atlantic Coastal Plain geological province, where groundwater filters through layers of sand, gravel, and clay sediments before emerging at the surface. Springs in this region of Maryland have historically been valued by communities as reliable sources of naturally filtered groundwater. Charles County has a long history of settlement dating back to the early colonial period, and natural springs like this one have played an important role in sustaining both indigenous populations and European settlers throughout the centuries. While no specific historical records for this particular spring were found, roadside springs along Maryland's rural highways have traditionally been gathering points for the surrounding community. ## Directions 1. From the center of **La Plata, MD**, head south on **US-301 South**. 2. Turn onto **MD-488 (La Plata Road)** heading generally southeast. 3. Continue along La Plata Road and look for the spring near the address **11765 La Plata Road, La Plata, MD 20646**. 4. GPS coordinates: **38.54878, -76.90214** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring may not appear on all mapping apps. ## What to Expect MD-488 Spring is a roadside public drinking spring, making it relatively easy to access directly from the road without a lengthy hike. Visitors should look for the spring outlet near the listed address along La Plata Road. As a public spring in a rural area of southern Maryland, the surroundings are likely pastoral, with the rolling farmland and mixed hardwood forests typical of Charles County. The water from this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by the local community. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal rainfall, nearby land use, and other environmental factors. Visitors who wish to collect water may want to bring their own containers. The area around La Plata offers additional points of interest, including the Port Tobacco historic district — one of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlements in North America — located just a few miles to the west. A visit to the spring can easily be combined with exploring the rich colonial history of Charles County.