River Road Spring,Lake Placid, NY

## Overview River Road Spring is a free-flowing public drinking spring located along River Road in Lake Placid, New York, nestled in the heart of Essex County and the Adirondack Mountains. Situated at GPS coordinates 44.272975, -73.937804, near the address 386 River Road, this roadside spring offers visitors a convenient stop for cold, refreshing water in one of the most scenic regions of upstate New York. Lake Placid and the surrounding Adirondack Park are renowned for their pristine mountain water sources, fed by snowmelt and filtered through ancient glacial deposits and Precambrian bedrock — some of the oldest exposed rock in North America. Springs like this one have historically served as reliable water sources for locals and travelers passing through the region. Visitors have long reported that the water from River Road Spring tastes exceptionally clean and cold, consistent with the high-quality groundwater typical of the Adirondack highlands. ## Directions 1. From the village of Lake Placid, head south on Main Street (NY Route 86 West / NY Route 73 South). 2. Turn onto River Road, heading in the direction of the Ausable River valley. 3. Continue along River Road for approximately 1–2 miles. 4. Watch for the spring on the roadside near 386 River Road. The spring features a continuous flow of water and is visible from the road. 5. Pull off to the side of the road to access the spring. There is no formal parking area, so use caution when stopping. *GPS coordinates: 44.272975, -73.937804 — use these for precise navigation.* ## What to Expect River Road Spring is a roadside spring with continuous, year-round flow. The water runs cold, making it an especially refreshing stop during warmer months. Access is free and open to the public — no fees or permits are required. The spring is easy to reach by car, located directly along River Road with no hiking required. There are no formal facilities at the site, so visitors should bring their own containers for collecting water. The surrounding area is characteristic of the Adirondack landscape — forested hillsides, clean mountain air, and the nearby Ausable River corridor. While the spring has been historically used as a drinking water source and visitors have reported the water to be of excellent quality, water conditions can change over time. The spring flows continuously, which is generally a positive indicator of a healthy, active groundwater source. If you're visiting Lake Placid for hiking, skiing, or exploring the Adirondacks, River Road Spring makes for a worthwhile stop to fill up on cold mountain water along the way.