Pinkham Notch Spring, North Bartlett, NH

## Overview Pinkham Notch Spring is a naturally flowing freshwater spring nestled along Pinkham Notch Road (Route 16B) in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains. Situated within Pinkham's Grant — an unincorporated township in Coös County — this roadside spring has long been a popular stop for hikers, road-trippers, and locals seeking fresh, cold water straight from the mountain. The spring flows continuously, and visitors have historically used it as a reliable drinking water source throughout the year. Pinkham Notch itself is one of the most iconic mountain passes in the White Mountains, carved by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. The notch separates the Presidential Range to the west from Wildcat Mountain to the east, and the surrounding granite bedrock naturally filters snowmelt and rainfall before it emerges at springs like this one. The area is steeped in outdoor recreation history, serving as a gateway to some of New England's most celebrated trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. ## Directions 1. From the town of Jackson or Glen, NH, head south on **Pinkham Notch Road (Route 16)** toward Crawford Notch. 2. Continue past the **Glen Ellis Falls Trailhead**, which will be on your left. Glen Ellis Falls is a well-known 64-foot waterfall and makes a worthwhile side stop. 3. Keep driving south for a few more miles past Glen Ellis Falls. 4. Watch for the spring on the **left side of the road**. You will need to pull off the road to access it — there is no formal parking area, so look for a safe shoulder to stop. 5. The spring is located slightly off-road. GPS coordinates **44.242249, -71.254578** will guide you directly to the spot. *Note: The road through Pinkham Notch can be busy during peak tourist season and icy in winter. Use caution when pulling over.* ## What to Expect Pinkham Notch Spring is a roadside natural spring with a steady, year-round flow of cold mountain water. The water emerges from the ground and runs as a small stream, and visitors have reported that it tastes clean and refreshing. It has been used as a drinking water source by passersby for many years, though — as with any wild water source — conditions can change and the water is untested by any known public authority. The setting is quintessential White Mountains: dense mixed forest of spruce, fir, and birch surrounds the spring, and the air carries the cool, earthy scent of the northern Appalachian highlands. The spring is not a developed site — there are no signs, benches, or facilities — so bring your own containers if you plan to collect water. Because the spring sits along the Pinkham Notch corridor, it's easy to combine a visit with other nearby attractions. Glen Ellis Falls is just a short drive north, and the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center — a hub for hiking information and trail access — is also nearby. The area offers outstanding fall foliage viewing, typically peaking in late September to early October, making autumn an especially scenic time to visit.