Murphy's Hollow,Whiteside, TN / Trenton, Georgia

## Overview Murphy's Hollow Spring is a small, continuously flowing natural spring located in the scenic border region between Whiteside, Tennessee (Marion County) and Trenton, Georgia. Set in a rural, wooded hollow, the spring produces beautiful, clear water and has long been valued by locals and travelers alike. The spring holds historical significance tied to the Civil War's Chickamauga Campaign of 1863 — not World War I as sometimes mistakenly noted. During the campaign, troops moving through the rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau and Lookout Mountain used Murphy's Hollow as a route and water source. The area's network of hollows and ridges played a strategic role in troop movements between Chattanooga and the Chickamauga battlefield in northwest Georgia. A reference document from the Chickamauga Campaign Trail organization has historically been available at chickamaugacampaign.org, offering additional context on the spring's role during the campaign. The spring is publicly accessible with continuous flow and is available to visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visitors have historically used the water as a drinking source, though water quality should always be assessed with caution at any natural spring. ## Directions 1. From Interstate 24, head south toward Murphy's Hollow Road. 2. Travel along Murphy's Hollow Road and look for the spring on the **east side** of the road. 3. The spring is located south of the I-24 corridor, in the rural area between Whiteside, Tennessee, and Trenton, Georgia. 4. GPS coordinates: **34.987299, -85.49774** — use these for precise navigation, as the area is rural and signage may be limited. ## What to Expect Murphy's Hollow Spring is a modest but charming natural spring in a quiet, rural setting. The water flows continuously, emerging clear and clean-looking from the ground. The surrounding landscape is lush and wooded, characteristic of the hollows that cut through the southern Cumberland Plateau near Lookout Mountain. Access is public and unrestricted, making it easy to stop by at any time. The area is remote and peaceful — expect minimal development and few other visitors. The hollow itself is scenic, with the kind of unspoiled Appalachian beauty that rewards those willing to venture off the interstate. Cell service may be limited in the hollow, so download directions or save the GPS coordinates before heading out. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Civil War connections — the Chickamauga Campaign (September 1863) saw significant troop movements through this part of the Tennessee-Georgia border, and springs like this one were vital water sources for soldiers on the march.