Short Mountain Spring, Woodbury, TN, 37190

## Overview Short Mountain Spring is a natural spring tucked into the wooded hills along Stones River Road in Cannon County, Tennessee, just outside the small town of Woodbury. The spring flows naturally through several PVC pipes — including a black pipe driven deep into the rock face — and cascades onto the ground below. Situated in the heart of the Middle Tennessee Highland Rim, this area is known for its karst geology, where limestone bedrock allows groundwater to percolate through and emerge as springs. The spring is publicly accessible 24/7 and visitors are welcome to collect as much water as they'd like — just bring your own containers. The water quality has not been formally tested, so its safety for drinking has not been confirmed. Visitors should be aware that untested spring water may carry bacteria or other contaminants. Short Mountain itself is a well-known local landmark in Cannon County, perhaps best recognized as the home of Short Mountain Distillery, one of Tennessee's craft moonshine producers. The surrounding landscape is rural, heavily forested, and rich with natural springs fed by the region's abundant limestone aquifers. ## Directions From Woodbury, TN (approximately 7.7 miles, 10–12 minutes by car): 1. Head east on **Route 70S (W Main Street)**. 2. After **1.4 miles**, turn left onto **TN-53 (Gassaway Road)**. 3. Continue on TN-53 for **1.5 miles**, then turn right onto **Stones River Road**. 4. Follow Stones River Road for exactly **5.3 miles**. 5. Look for signboards marking the spring's location and park along the road. 6. From the road, proceed on foot into the woods to reach the spring. **GPS Coordinates:** 35.846767, -85.951986 ## What to Expect Short Mountain Spring is located in a wooded setting off Stones River Road, so be prepared for a short walk from where you park your vehicle. The terrain is natural and uneven — sturdy hiking shoes or boots are recommended, especially after rain when the ground can be muddy. The spring itself flows from rock through multiple PVC pipes, making it relatively easy to fill jugs and containers beneath the streams of water. Signboards along the road help guide visitors to the exact location. There are no facilities, restrooms, or trash receptacles at the site, so plan to pack out everything you bring in. The surrounding woods are quiet and scenic, offering a peaceful experience typical of rural Cannon County. The spring flows year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally — expect stronger output during wetter months in spring and early winter. Summer visits can be warm and humid, so bring water for the walk in and watch for ticks in the tall grass and underbrush. Because the spring is in a remote, wooded area with no cell service guarantee, it's a good idea to download directions or save the GPS coordinates (35.846767, -85.951986) to your phone before heading out.