Smokey's Hydrant, Winhall, VT, 05340

## Overview Smokey's Hydrant is a public drinking spring located in Winhall, Vermont, near the United States Forest Service Green Mountain National Forest Ranger Station along the busy Route 11/30 corridor. Named with a nod to Smokey Bear — the iconic mascot of the U.S. Forest Service — this roadside spring offers free-flowing natural water to the public around the clock. The flow has been reported as steady and reliable, making it a popular stop for locals, hikers, and travelers passing through the Green Mountain region of southern Vermont. Situated in Bennington County at the edge of the Green Mountain National Forest, the spring draws from the same geology that defines this part of Vermont — ancient metamorphic bedrock overlain by glacial deposits that naturally filter groundwater as it percolates through layers of rock and soil. Visitors have historically used this spring as a convenient source of drinking water, and many report the water tastes clean and refreshing. ## Directions 1. The spring is located at GPS coordinates **43.193836, -72.995003**, near the intersection of Tollgate Road and Route 11/30 in the Manchester Center / Winhall area. 2. Head to **Tollgate Road** off Route 11/30. The spring is on the **opposite side of the road** from where Tollgate Road ends. 3. **Parking:** There is no dedicated parking at the spring itself, and the main road (Route 11/30) is very busy. Park your vehicle along the side of Tollgate Road where it is safe to do so. 4. **On foot:** Cross the main road carefully to reach the spring location. Use caution — traffic can be fast-moving along this stretch. ## What to Expect Smokey's Hydrant is a simple, utilitarian roadside spring — don't expect a scenic trailhead or elaborate setup. The water flows steadily from a spigot-style outlet, and the site is accessible 24 hours a day with no gates or fees. The surrounding area is wooded and characteristic of Vermont's Green Mountain landscape, with mixed hardwood and conifer forest. Because the spring sits along a busy highway with no dedicated pull-off, the biggest challenge is parking and safely crossing the road. Arriving during lower-traffic times (early morning or midweek) can make the visit more relaxed. Bring your own containers to fill — there are no amenities on-site. The spring's proximity to the Green Mountain National Forest Ranger Station makes it a convenient stop if you're already visiting the area for hiking, camping, or exploring trails like the Long Trail or Appalachian Trail, both of which pass through this section of the national forest.