Swanzey Spring, Swanzey, NH

## Overview Swanzey Spring is a public drinking spring located along Base Hill Road in the town of Swanzey, New Hampshire, in Cheshire County. Situated just south of the city of Keene, this roadside spring features a spout that runs parallel to the road, offering easy access for passersby looking to fill up with fresh spring water. The spring has historically served as a local water source for residents and visitors in the Swanzey area, and it remains a convenient stop for those traveling through this scenic part of southwestern New Hampshire. Swanzey itself is a charming New England town with roots dating back to the 1730s, nestled in the Ashuelot River valley. The region's geology — characterized by glacial deposits and granite bedrock typical of the Monadnock Highlands — gives rise to numerous natural springs throughout the area. Visitors have reported that the water from Swanzey Spring tastes clean and refreshing, though no official water quality testing data is currently available. ## Directions 1. From Keene, NH, head south on **Highway 10 (NH Route 10)**. 2. Continue south past the center of Keene toward the town of Swanzey. 3. Look for **Base Hill Road**, which runs to the west of Highway 10 in this area. The spring is located between **Keene Road** to the east and **Base Hill Road**. 4. The spring is near **63 Base Hill Road, Swanzey, NH 03446** — a helpful landmark in the area is the Monadnock Humane Society, which is located along this stretch south of Keene. 5. Watch for the spring spout running alongside the road on Base Hill Road. It is visible from the roadside. **GPS Coordinates:** 42.905422, -72.307442 ## What to Expect Swanzey Spring is a straightforward roadside spring — no hiking or trail access is required. The spring flows from a spout that runs parallel to Base Hill Road, making it easy to pull over and collect water directly. The setup is simple and utilitarian, typical of many New England public springs that have served communities for generations. The surrounding area is rural and peaceful, with rolling hills and wooded landscapes characteristic of Cheshire County. There is no formal parking area noted, so visitors should pull safely to the side of the road when stopping. Hours of operation are not formally posted, and the spring appears to be accessible year-round, though flow may vary seasonally — winter visitors should be aware that freezing temperatures could affect the spout. Bring your own containers if you plan to collect water. As with any natural spring, water quality can change over time, and no current testing data has been confirmed for this source.