Vermochussets Spring

## Overview Vermochussets Spring is a public drinking spring located in the rural hills of western Massachusetts, near the Vermont border. Situated at approximately 42.762°N, 72.944°W, this spring sits in the scenic upper Connecticut River Valley region of Franklin County — an area known for its rolling green hills, mixed hardwood forests, and a long tradition of community spring use. The name "Vermochussets" itself appears to be a playful portmanteau of "Vermont" and "Massachusetts," reflecting the spring's location near the state line. The surrounding landscape is shaped by ancient glacial activity that deposited layers of sand, gravel, and till over bedrock, creating the natural aquifer conditions that feed springs throughout the region. Springs in this part of New England often emerge where groundwater meets impermeable layers of glacial clay or bedrock, producing naturally filtered, cold water. Locals and travelers have historically valued roadside springs like this one as refreshment stops, and Vermochussets Spring continues that tradition as a publicly accessible water source. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions, and the water has not been independently verified for potability — visitors should use their own discretion. ## Directions 1. The spring is located in far northwestern Massachusetts, very close to the Vermont state line. 2. Using GPS coordinates **42.7622, -72.9435**, navigate to the area via Route 8A or local roads in the Heath/Colrain region of Franklin County. 3. The spring is situated in a rural setting — look for a pipe, spout, or collection point along the roadside near the marked coordinates. 4. Cell service can be spotty in this area, so it is recommended to download offline maps before heading out. ## What to Expect Vermochussets Spring is located in a quiet, wooded area of western Massachusetts where the foothills of the Berkshires meet the southern Green Mountains of Vermont. Visitors can expect a peaceful, rural setting with limited development nearby. The terrain is hilly and forested, with narrow country roads winding through small New England towns. As a public drinking spring, the site likely features a pipe or spout where water flows freely for collection. Springs in this region typically produce cold, clear water year-round, though flow may increase during spring snowmelt and decrease during late summer dry spells. The area offers excellent opportunities for scenic drives, especially during fall foliage season when the surrounding hardwood forests put on a spectacular display. Nearby towns such as Colrain, Heath, and Charlemont provide small-town New England charm, and the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) — one of America's oldest scenic highways — runs through the region just to the south. There are no known facilities at the spring itself, so plan accordingly. Bring containers if you wish to collect water, and be mindful of parking along rural roads.