Saratoga Spring, Saratoga Springs, NY

## Overview Saratoga Spring is one of the many celebrated mineral springs found throughout Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, New York. The city itself was named for its abundance of naturally carbonated mineral springs, which have drawn visitors since the 18th century. Native American tribes, including the Mohawk, are believed to have known about and used these mineral waters long before European settlers arrived. By the 1800s, Saratoga Springs had become one of America's premier resort destinations, largely because of its unique mineral springs. This particular spring is a free, publicly accessible drinking spring located along the Avenue of the Pines within the state park. It flows continuously, 24 hours a day, and is open to anyone who wants to fill up — just bring your own containers. The water emerges from four pipes mounted on a rectangular pillar-like stone structure, with the word "mineral water" inscribed on the wall. The water drains below, though the surrounding floor area can become flooded at times, and some algae buildup may be present around the spout area. Saratoga Springs is famous for its naturally occurring mineral water, and this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors alike. However, water quality can vary among the many springs in the area — not all are considered suitable for drinking, so it's worth noting which springs are designated for public consumption. ## Directions **Updated GPS Coordinates:** 43.057951, -73.803848 **Address:** 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 1. Enter **Saratoga Spa State Park** from **Route 50** (the main entrance). 2. Follow the road onto **Avenue of the Pines**. 3. At the first intersection you encounter, turn **left**. 4. Take the **first right** after that turn. 5. The spring will be on your **left-hand side**. Parking is available nearby within the state park. Note that the state park may charge a vehicle entrance fee during peak season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). ## What to Expect When you arrive, you'll find a distinctive rectangular stone pillar with four pipes — one on each side — from which mineral water flows continuously. The setup is simple and utilitarian: there are no cups or containers provided, so bring your own bottles or jugs. The water collects in a drain at the base, but expect the ground around the spring to be wet and occasionally flooded, so waterproof footwear is a good idea. Some algae buildup may be visible around the pipes and base — this is common at continuously flowing mineral springs and is a natural occurrence. The spring is accessible year-round, day or night. Saratoga Spa State Park is home to numerous other mineral springs, each with its own distinct mineral profile and flavor. Some are free to access while others are part of paid facilities. Exploring the park's various springs is a popular activity — many visitors make a day of tasting and comparing the different waters. The park also features beautiful walking paths, historic bathhouses, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), and the Gideon Putnam Resort, making it well worth an extended visit.