Willis Spring, OldFort, TN 37362

## Overview Willis Spring is a roadside public drinking spring located near the edge of the Cherokee National Forest in Oldfort, Tennessee, within Polk County. Nestled in the foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains and close to the Conasauga River, this spring has long served as a convenient stop for hikers, campers, and scenic drivers heading deeper into the national forest. The water flows through a springbox set into a rock wall, with a hose that directs the flow out to the roadside for easy filling. Visitors have historically used Willis Spring as a drinking water source, and it remains a popular spot for locals and travelers alike to top off their water jugs before venturing into the backcountry. ## Directions 1. From Oldfort, TN, head south on **Ladd Springs Road** (the spring's nearest address is 6018 Ladd Springs Rd, Oldfort, TN 37362). 2. Follow Ladd Springs Road as it winds toward the Cherokee National Forest boundary. 3. Watch for the springbox and rock wall on the side of the road — the hose extends out to the roadside, making it visible from your vehicle. 4. GPS coordinates: **35.005863, -84.695289**. Plugging these into your navigation app should bring you directly to the spring. ## What to Expect Willis Spring is one of the more accessible natural springs in the region. The springbox is built into a rock wall right along the road, and a hose channels the water for convenient filling of bottles, jugs, or containers. There is no significant hike required — you can pull over and access the spring immediately. The surrounding area is scenic mountain terrain typical of the southern Cherokee National Forest. After filling up, many visitors continue along the road deeper into the forest to reach popular destinations. Depending on your direction of travel, the roads from here lead to **Ocoee Lake** and the Ocoee River corridor (famous for its whitewater rafting), or southeast toward **Copperhill, TN** along the state line. The spring is also on the route to several well-known hiking trails, including the trail to **Jack's River Falls**, a stunning 60-foot waterfall and one of the most popular hikes in the Cohutta Wilderness. Willis Spring makes an ideal stop to load up on water before a long day on the trail. The water has been historically used as a drinking water source by the local community and passing visitors, though as with any natural spring, conditions can change over time. Flow tends to be steady, but seasonal variations are always possible. The setting is peaceful and worth a brief pause to enjoy the mountain scenery before continuing your journey into the Cherokee National Forest.