North Conway Spring, North Conway, New Hampshire

## Overview The North Conway Spring is a charming public drinking spring tucked into the woods along River Road in North Conway, New Hampshire — a beloved outdoor recreation hub in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley. The spring flows from a spout that pours into a rustic wooden barrel, giving it an old-fashioned, storybook quality that visitors have long appreciated. Situated in Carroll County, this spring is open 24 hours and has historically been used as a local drinking water source by residents and travelers passing through the area. North Conway itself sits at the eastern edge of the White Mountain National Forest, a region renowned for its granite geology and abundant natural water sources. The area's bedrock — primarily igneous and metamorphic rock — naturally filters groundwater, and many springs in the White Mountains have been valued for generations for their clean, cold water. Visitors have reported that the water from this spring tastes fresh and crisp, though as with any natural water source, conditions can change over time. ## Directions **Starting Point:** North Conway village along Route 16 (White Mountain Highway) 1. Head north along **Route 16 (White Mountain Highway)** through North Conway. 2. Turn **left onto River Road** at the intersection. 3. Continue along River Road for approximately **4 miles**. 4. Watch carefully on your **left side** — the spring is hidden in the woods just off the road and easy to miss if you're not looking for it. **GPS Coordinates:** 44.053181, -71.128021 *Tip:* The spring can be tricky to spot, especially if foliage is thick in summer. Keep an eye out for the rustic wooden barrel near the roadside. Plugging the GPS coordinates into your navigation app may help you pinpoint the location. ## What to Expect The North Conway Spring is a small, unassuming roadside spring set back slightly into the forest along River Road. The water flows from a spout into a rustic wooden barrel, creating a picturesque scene that feels like a step back in time. The surrounding woods are typical of the White Mountain region — a mix of hardwoods and conifers that provide shade in summer and stunning foliage in autumn. Because the spring is tucked into the trees, it can be easy to drive past. There is no formal signage or parking area, so you may need to pull off onto the road shoulder. The spring is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, though winter visitors should be prepared for icy or snow-covered conditions along River Road. The area around North Conway offers plenty of additional attractions, including hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest, scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway, and the shops and restaurants of North Conway village — making this spring a worthwhile stop on a day of exploring the region.