Shatley Springs, Crumpler, NC

## Overview Shatley Springs is a historic natural mineral spring nestled at the base of Little Phoenix Mountain in Crumpler, North Carolina, within the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Ashe County. For well over a century, visitors have traveled to this remote mountain spring seeking its reportedly therapeutic waters — making it one of the most storied natural springs in the Appalachian region. The spring's fame dates back to the summer of 1890, when a man named Martin Shatley stopped at a mountain stream to cool off and wash his hands. According to his personal testimonial, the crippling skin condition that had plagued him for years seemed to disappear within hours of contact with the water. Word spread quickly, and people began flocking to the site seeking relief from various skin ailments, stomach problems, and nervous disorders. At the time, the spring was little more than a hole in the ground covered with rocks. With no facilities nearby, early visitors camped in tents or stayed with local families. Numerous pamphlets were published praising the curative powers of the water. Martin Shatley eventually sold the surrounding land to encourage the development of a resort, though he retained ownership of the spring itself and returned each summer to soak in the waters. He oversaw the construction of a small bathhouse — a modest structure with a bench, a heater, and a bathtub fashioned from sheet iron, with water heated outside in a black iron pot. As Shatley's health declined, he sold the spring to Alonzo McNeill and Bid Williams. The new owners renovated the spring house, adding a cement enclosure and a new cover. After traces of radium were reportedly detected in the water, the spring was briefly known as "Radium Springs." Cabins and a tearoom were built in the 1920s, and the water was bottled and sold commercially — in 1927, a single truckload of 600 gallons reportedly fetched $840 (a substantial sum at the time). Mr. Williams eventually acquired full ownership and renamed the property Shatley Springs. Ownership later passed to Lee Q. McMillan in 1958. The water that flows from Little Phoenix Mountain has been reported to contain a variety of mineral elements, and many visitors over the decades have attributed health benefits to drinking and bathing in it. People have long kept large containers of Shatley Springs water, and it has been said to retain its freshness for several months. Today, the spring remains freely accessible to the public year-round, even when the adjacent Shatley Springs Inn restaurant (famous for its country-style family dining) is closed for the season. ## Directions Shatley Springs is located at **407 Shatley Springs Road** (also designated as State Road 1574), Crumpler, NC 28617. 1. From **West Jefferson, NC**, head west on US-221 North. 2. Turn left onto **NC-16 North** toward Crumpler. 3. After passing through Crumpler, watch for signs to **Shatley Springs Road (SR 1574)** on your left. 4. Follow Shatley Springs Road approximately 1.5 miles. The spring and the Shatley Springs Inn complex will be on your right. 5. The spring house is located on the property grounds — look for the small stone or cement structure near the main buildings. **GPS Coordinates:** 36.476204, -81.403191 The spring is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and the water is free to collect. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a well-established spring house on the grounds of the historic Shatley Springs property. The water flows continuously from the base of Little Phoenix Mountain and has been enclosed in a cement structure since the early 20th century. Many visitors bring jugs and containers to fill up, as the water has historically been prized for its reported mineral content and long shelf life. The surrounding area is quintessential Blue Ridge Mountain countryside — rolling green hills, forested ridges, and quiet country roads. The Shatley Springs Inn, located adjacent to the spring, has been a beloved destination for traditional Appalachian family-style meals (though it operates seasonally, typically from spring through fall). Even when the restaurant is closed for winter, the spring itself remains open and accessible. The property sits at a moderate mountain elevation, so temperatures can be cool even in summer and quite cold in winter. The road to the spring is paved and accessible by standard vehicles. There is parking available on the property grounds. While thousands of visitors over more than 130 years have reported health benefits from the water, no guarantees can be made about its current safety or potability. The water has historically been consumed by visitors and was commercially bottled in the early 20th century, but conditions can change over time.