Old Spring

## Overview Old Spring is a public drinking spring located along Wood Creek Road in the rural outskirts of Sanford, North Carolina, within Lee County. Situated at GPS coordinates 35.53701, -79.010337, this spring sits in the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont region — an area underlain by ancient metamorphic and igneous rock formations that have long given rise to natural groundwater seeps and springs. The name "Old Spring" suggests a long history of local use, likely predating modern water infrastructure and serving as a reliable water source for residents and travelers in the area. Lee County's landscape is characterized by rolling terrain, mixed hardwood and pine forests, and sandy clay soils typical of the Deep River watershed. Springs in this part of the Piedmont often emerge where groundwater meets fractures in the underlying bedrock, producing cool, mineral-filtered water that has historically been valued by local communities. ## Directions 1. From downtown Sanford, NC, head south on US-421 S / US-1 S. 2. Turn onto Wood Creek Road (you may need to consult GPS for the precise turnoff, as rural roads in this area can be easy to miss). 3. Follow Wood Creek Road to the vicinity of address 287 Wood Creek Rd, Sanford, NC 27330. 4. The spring is located near this address. Look for any roadside pull-off, pipe, or visible water flow along the road. *Note: These directions are based on the listed address and GPS coordinates. Using a GPS device or mapping app set to 35.53701, -79.010337 is recommended, as signage may be limited in this rural area.* ## What to Expect Old Spring is classified as a public drinking spring, suggesting it has been used by the local community as a water collection point. Visitors should expect a rural, roadside setting along Wood Creek Road — a quiet, wooded area typical of Lee County's countryside. As with many traditional roadside springs in North Carolina, the water source may be accessed via a pipe, spout, or natural seep. Water flow can vary seasonally, with stronger output typically seen during wetter months in late winter and spring, and potentially reduced flow during the dry summer and early fall. While Old Spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, water quality can change over time due to environmental factors, and no current testing data is available. Visitors who wish to collect water may want to consider their own testing or filtration preferences. The surrounding area offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere with mature trees and the gentle terrain of the Carolina Piedmont — a pleasant stop for anyone exploring the back roads of Lee County.