Yellow Springs

## Overview Yellow Springs is a beloved natural spring located in the charming village of Yellow Springs, Ohio, in Greene County. The spring has long been a defining feature of the area — in fact, the village itself takes its name from this very water source, which deposits yellowish-orange iron oxide minerals on the surrounding rocks, giving the spring its distinctive appearance. The iron-rich waters have attracted visitors for centuries, and the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers alike. The spring is situated near John Bryan State Park and Glen Helen Nature Preserve, a 1,000-acre natural area managed by Antioch College. Glen Helen was established in 1929 when Hugh Taylor Birch donated the land to Antioch College in honor of his daughter, Helen Birch Bartlett. Yellow Springs itself — sometimes called "the Yellow Spring" — is one of the preserve's most iconic landmarks, flowing year-round from a limestone and dolomite rock face. The mineral-laden water has been reported to taste clean, and locals have long used it without concern, though as with any natural water source, conditions can vary. The spring is free to access and available around the clock, making it a popular stop for hikers, water enthusiasts, and curious visitors exploring the scenic Little Miami River valley. ## Directions **GPS Coordinates:** 39.800007, -83.892838 **Nearest Reference:** Route 68, near John Bryan State Park, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 1. From the village of Yellow Springs, head south on **Route 68** (whether coming from E. Center College Street or W. Center College Street, Route 68 is your main road). 2. Park your vehicle at the public parking area near **387 Corry Road** — this is a designated trailhead area. 3. From the parking area, look for a small green gate located just behind the fire station. Pass through the gate. 4. After the gate, take a **right turn** heading southeast along the trail. 5. Continue walking until you reach a notable fallen tree along the path. 6. At the fallen tree, take the narrow path to the **left**. 7. As you continue, you'll pass old stone structures and a trail that leads along a hillside. 8. Follow the trail across **two old wooden footbridges** and past a small waterfall. 9. At the waterfall, take a **left turn** and follow the path uphill to reach the source of Yellow Springs, where the mineral-rich water flows from the rock face. *Note: The trail involves some uneven terrain and wooden bridges. Wear sturdy footwear, especially in wet conditions.* ## What to Expect Yellow Springs flows from a rock outcrop, and the surrounding stone is stained a vivid yellowish-orange from the iron oxide deposits in the water — a striking and photogenic sight. The spring flows year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally. The walk to the spring is a scenic experience in itself. You'll pass through wooded terrain with old stone ruins, cross rustic wooden footbridges, and walk alongside a small waterfall before reaching the spring's source on the hillside. The surrounding area is lush with native vegetation and offers a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source, and visitors have reported the water tastes clean and fresh. However, no formal water quality testing results are publicly available, so visitors should use their own discretion. Bringing a container is optional — locals have traditionally drunk directly from the source. The area around Yellow Springs is rich with outdoor recreation. John Bryan State Park and Glen Helen Nature Preserve are both within walking distance, offering miles of hiking trails, dramatic limestone gorges along the Little Miami River, and abundant wildlife. The village of Yellow Springs itself is a vibrant, walkable community known for its independent shops, restaurants, and arts scene — well worth exploring before or after your visit to the spring.