Nelson County Spring, Nellysford, Virginia

## Overview Nelson County Spring is a public drinking spring located along the Rockfish Valley Highway (Route 151) near the small community of Nellysford, Virginia. Situated in the heart of Nelson County — a region celebrated for its Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, apple orchards, and craft beverage trail — this roadside spring has served as a convenient water stop for locals and travelers passing through the Rockfish Valley. The spring sits at an elevation consistent with the western slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where numerous natural springs emerge from ancient Precambrian rock formations. The geology of Nelson County, shaped by centuries of mountain runoff filtering through layers of granite and gneiss, often produces clear, cold spring water that has historically been prized by area residents. Visitors have reported that the water from this spring tastes clean and refreshing, though as with any natural water source, conditions can vary over time. Nellysford and the surrounding Rockfish Valley have a long agricultural heritage, and roadside springs like this one have traditionally been gathering points for the community. The area is also a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and visitors exploring the many cideries, breweries, and wineries along the Nelson 151 corridor. ## Directions 1. The spring is located at approximately **4300 Rockfish Valley Highway (Route 151)** in Nellysford, Virginia. 2. If traveling south on Route 151 from Afton (near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Interstate 64), continue along the highway for roughly 8–9 miles into the Nellysford area. 3. If traveling north on Route 151 from Roseland or Wintergreen, watch for the spring on the roadside as you approach Nellysford. 4. The GPS coordinates **37.903161, -78.853842** can be entered into your navigation app for precise guidance. 5. Look for the spring along the highway near the 4300 block — it is a roadside spring accessible directly from the road. ## What to Expect This is a roadside public drinking spring, so expect a relatively simple setup rather than a wilderness experience. The spring is accessible directly from Rockfish Valley Highway, making it an easy and quick stop. Parking may be limited to a roadside pull-off, so use caution when stopping, especially during busier times on Route 151. The Rockfish Valley is a scenic corridor flanked by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the foothills to the west, so the setting is naturally attractive even along the highway. The area experiences four distinct seasons: spring and summer bring lush green landscapes, fall offers spectacular foliage, and winter can bring cold temperatures that may affect water flow. Visitors exploring the Nelson 151 corridor — known for its concentration of craft beverage producers including Bold Rock Cidery, Blue Mountain Brewery, and several wineries — will find this spring a convenient place to refill water bottles between stops. The nearby Wintergreen Resort and numerous hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway also make this a practical waypoint for outdoor enthusiasts.