Mt. Hitchcock Spring, Wales, MA

## Overview Mt. Hitchcock Spring is a roadside public drinking spring located in the quiet town of Wales, Massachusetts, near the southern boundary of Brimfield State Forest. The spring flows through a white PVC pipe, delivering cold, clear water that has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors alike. Easily visible from the road, the spring sits in a peaceful, tranquil setting surrounded by the wooded landscape of Hampden County. The spring takes its name from Mt. Hitchcock, a modest elevation in the area that is itself likely named in connection with Edward Hitchcock, the renowned 19th-century geologist and president of Amherst College who conducted extensive geological surveys across Massachusetts. The surrounding Brimfield State Forest encompasses over 3,000 acres of mixed hardwood and conifer forest, offering a rich backdrop of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. ## Directions 1. Start at the Wales Post Office on Monson Road in Wales, MA. 2. Turn left onto **Monson Road** heading north. 3. Continue approximately **½ mile** until you reach the fork at **McBride Road**. 4. **Bear right** at this fork to stay on the road toward Mt. Hitchcock. 5. **Bear right** again onto **Mt. Hitchcock Road**. 6. Continue about **¾ mile** along Mt. Hitchcock Road. The spring will be visible on the side of the road. **GPS Coordinates:** 42.067741, -72.222832 ## What to Expect The spring is accessible year-round and flows continuously, piped through a white PVC outlet that makes collecting water straightforward. Visitors have reported the water to be cold and clean-tasting. The spring is right along the roadside, so no hiking is required to reach it — simply pull over and fill up. The surrounding area is quiet and scenic, situated at the edge of Brimfield State Forest, which offers plenty of hiking trails for those looking to extend their visit. The forest features a network of trails through rolling, wooded terrain that is especially beautiful during New England's fall foliage season. The spring makes an excellent stop before or after a hike in the forest. There are no posted hours or gates — the spring is accessible at all times. There are no facilities at the spring itself, so plan accordingly. The road is paved and suitable for standard vehicles.