Sun-Ray Spring, Ellenville, NY

## Overview Sun-Ray Spring is a historic natural spring tucked into the wooded hillside behind the former Sun-Ray Springs bottling factory in Ellenville, New York. Once the water source for a commercial bottling operation, the spring still flows from a short black pipe that emerges from a narrow, eroded opening at the base of the mountain. A cement trough remains at the original collection point — a relic of the site's bottling days. The spring is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and sits within Ulster County's scenic Shawangunk Ridge region. While the bottling operation is long gone, the spring continues to flow and has historically been used as a drinking water source. The surrounding woods and the remnants of the old factory lend the site a fascinating, slightly rugged character that appeals to spring hunters and local history enthusiasts alike. ## Directions The spring is located at approximately 70 Berme Road, Ellenville, NY 12428. You cannot drive directly to the spring source, but you can park nearby and reach it via a short but steep trail. 1. **Navigate to 70 Berme Road, Ellenville, NY 12428.** Look for the old Sun-Ray Springs factory building. 2. **Head behind the factory.** You'll notice two paths that resemble old vehicle tracks — one leading from the rear left corner of the building and another from the back right corner. 3. **Orient yourself:** You should see a small concrete bunker structure to your left. This is a helpful landmark. 4. **Take the trail to the right** that heads steeply uphill. This is the path to the spring. 5. **Follow the trail approximately a quarter mile** up the hillside. The trail is not heavily marked but becomes obvious once you spot it. Note: when returning to your car, it can be easy to lose track of which trail is the main one, so take a mental note of your surroundings on the way up. *GPS coordinates: 41.715897, -74.381134* ## What to Expect The trail to Sun-Ray Spring is short — roughly a quarter mile — but it climbs steeply through the woods, so wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven, eroded terrain. The path is not formally maintained and may be slippery in wet conditions. At the spring, you'll find the old cement trough from the bottling era and a short black pipe from which the water flows. The pipe leads into a narrow, eroded hole at the mountain's base. Water flow may vary seasonally. The setting is quiet and wooded, with a sense of forgotten industrial history layered over the natural landscape. The area around the factory can feel a bit rough and overgrown, and the concrete bunker near the trailhead adds an unusual visual element. Despite the somewhat rugged approach, the spring itself is a rewarding find for those interested in natural water sources and the history of small-scale American spring water bottling. There are no facilities at the site — no restrooms, signage, or developed parking area. Plan accordingly and be respectful of the surrounding property.