Hot springs offer a soaking experience like no other, so it’s not surprising you’d wonder if you can find hot springs in Maryland. A state known for its fishing and historic trading port, Maryland has no shortage of water.
However, are there any hot springs? We wanted to find out if there were any hot springs in Maryland, so we dove deep into Maryland’s waters to see what the state has to offer.
The answer might not be what you’d expect, but read on to learn about the many other ways to enjoy the water in and near Maryland.
The Truth About Hot Springs in Maryland
Like many East Coast states, Maryland is not home to any natural hot springs. Those wishing to experience the relaxing, therapeutic sensation of natural hot springs will need to travel.
The closest hot springs to Maryland are in Virginia and West Virginia, and the only natural hot springs in New England are in Massachusetts.
However, did you know that natural springs can offer healing waters too? Natural spring water is rich in minerals, which can purify the body. Drinking natural spring water can improve your overall health, benefitting heart, bone, and nerve function.
Swimming in natural springs stimulates and boosts your immune system, triggers the release of happy endorphins, and aids in blood circulation. While you won’t find hot springs in Maryland, you will find a plethora of natural springs throughout the state.
Natural Springs in Maryland
We uncovered the top ten natural springs in Maryland worth talking about for different reasons—some are popular because of their appearance, and others for their historical prevalence. Read on to learn all about the coolest natural springs in Maryland!
Potomac Blue Spring
Located near Cumberland, Maryland, the Potamac Blue Spring is one of the largest and bluest natural springs east of the Mississippi. The crystal clear, blue-tinted water flows from the spring into the Potomac River.
The spring is usually referred to simply as Blue Spring. Limited information is available about the spring online, however, this natural spring in Maryland is said to be easy to spot due to its bright blue coloring. Its location is just around 10 miles south of Cumberland around mile marker 174.4.
Magnolia Springs
Magnolia Springs, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is historically significant as it’s located at the site of an early commercial bottle facility called Magnolia Spa Water Company.
The facility operated in the early twentieth century and the water was distributed across the Washington DC area before chlorification and filtration was adopted.
Unfortunately, the spring has mostly dried up today due to the urbanization of the area.
Spoutn’ Spring
Located on the seldom-traveled Hamburg Road in Frederick, Maryland, Spoutn’ Spring is a roadside spring worth visiting. This natural spring in Maryland includes a spout pipe and has been used by locals as a source of water for over 200 years.
This natural spring in Maryland is sometimes called Spout Spring, Spouting Spring, or The Healing Spring. Although the water has not been tested for water safety, locals have been drinking water from this spring for years.
Locals believe the spring brings healing, and they believe that the water has powerful healing for humans, animals, and plants. They have been offering this water to sick neighbors and relatives for years, claiming that it almost always heals them.
Spoutn’ Springs is often mistaken for the springs near Yellow Springs Road, so this is something to keep in mind if you are looking for Spoutn’ Spring. Those springs are around two miles away from Spoutn’ Springs.
Never-Ending Spring
Never-Ending Spring is located at Patapsco Valley State Park in Howard County, Maryland.
This natural spring in Maryland was the primary source of potable water for the town of Elysville/Alberton/Daniels—the town changed names three times, and then was destroyed by Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972.
Today, Daniels, Maryland, is just a ghost town without much to see. The town is, however, the namesake for the Daniels Area at Patapsco Valley State Park.
The area is a popular spot for birdwatching, hiking, and camping. Visitors enjoy collecting water from the Never-Ending spring. The nearby Patapsco River is a popular place for fishing sunfish, rainbow trout, and rock bass.
Henryton Spring
Located in Marriotsville, Maryland, Henryton Spring is right along the road and easy to spot. The area surrounding it is forested, with no buildings nearby. A long steel pipe runs up the hill, and the spring runs constantly at a high speed.
Visitors to Henryton Spring say the water is cool and thirst-quenching. However, the spring is near a road frequented by fast cars, so be careful when visiting this natural spring in Maryland.
You can find Henryton Spring by following Henryton Road, and then pulling into the first road that looks like a driveway. The spring is across from the driveway. There is also a large shoulder where you can park to unload your bottles next to the spring.
Mt. Briar Wetland Preserve
Water appears from seepage springs at the north end of Mt. Briar Wetland Preserve, located in Keedysville, Maryland. Seepage springs are formed when groundwater seeps out of the ground at a slow rate. They usually occur in sand, gravel, or other organic materials.
Seepage springs are different because they have low flow and are generally found at valley bottoms. These springs do not have natural stream channelization, so water flows through the upper layer of the substrate.
The wetlands are sensitive to human presence. Vehicle tracks on the soft soil can create artificial steam channels, causing the water to drain which is used to keep aquatic life alive. Human footsteps can cause the same issues at a smaller rate.
To protect wildlife, visitors are required to make an appointment to enter the gates.
Grotto Spring
Grotto Spring is located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. The spring water has been purified for safety reasons, and it has been blessed by priests from the past and present.
Grotto Water taps are located around the fountain pool. The water is believed to become holy water, and it can be used for blessing persons, places, or objects. It’s also used to protect against evil and danger.
Many visit the National Shrine Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes just for this sacred water. Visitors believe it is cleansing and healthy for the body and soul.
Liberty Delight Farms
Liberty Delight Farms’ property in Reisterstown, Maryland, includes many natural springs and streams that run across 80 acres. This water flows into the Liberty Reservoir.
The farm owners feel it is vital to preserve these water natural sources, and they participate in the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Water Quality Program. Their livestock is also fed fresh natural spring water.
Ye Coole Springs
Ye Coole Springs in Charlotte Hall, Maryland, is located at the site of the first hospital in Maryland, constructed in the early 1700s before the United States was even a country. The spring was once believed to have healing powers, and the springs were a popular destination for sick colonists.
Small amounts of water still seep up from the ground today. The natural spring is located on the Three Notch Trail within shouting distance from Cool Springs of Saint Marie’s.
Yourtee Springs
After a four-year hiatus, Yourtee Springs in Brunswick is flowing against as of 2022. This natural spring in Maryland supplies ⅕ to ⅓ of the city’s water supply. The state closed Yourtee Springs in 2018 after it was contaminated with bacteria and E. coli.
Before then, the water source was considered clean and only treated with chlorination. Since the water was contaminated, the city has added a two-step filtration system to protect its residents. Yourtee Springs has supplied Brunswick with water since the 1930s.
Natural Hot Springs Near Maryland
We’ve established there aren’t hot springs in Maryland, however, you’re only a short road trip from natural hot springs.
Virginia and West Virginia are the most popular east coast destinations with hot springs near Maryland, although Massachusetts is home to the only natural hot spring in New England.
Virginia
Read all about the best hot springs near Maryland in the states of Virginia and West Virginia.
Falling Spring
Located around three and a half hours from the Virginia and Maryland border, Falling Spring in Covington, Virginia, is famous for its stunning 80-foot natural waterfall. The waterfall is easily accessed from the road.
At the bottom of the waterfall, sits dirt-bottomed thermal spring pools that stay around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can swim in these gorgeous waters, but a sign is posted instructing swimmers not to go past the fence for their safety.
Warm Springs and Hot Springs
Warm Springs and Hot Springs, Virginia, both located in Bath County, are home to the most well-known hot springs near Maryland.
Located three hours from the Maryland-Virginia border, Warm Springs and Hot Springs are a tourist hotspot with seven hot springs between the two towns.
Native Americans originally discovered these hot springs, and colonists in the 1700s began building bathhouses and small lodges around them, often enjoying the warm mineral-laden waters as a way to relax stressed muscles.
The Omni Resort is one of the most popular places to stay in Hot Springs, Virginia. You can book your stay now through TripAdvisor.
West Virginia
West Virginia borders Maryland on the south bank of the North Branch Potomac River, and the state is home to some outstanding hot springs near Maryland worth the road trip to visit.
Berkeley Springs
Just 45 minutes from the West Virginia-Maryland border, Berkeley Springs is a historic spa hot springs that has existed since colonial times. This hot spring flows warm water at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees.
Swimming is only allowed from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Massachusetts
While Massachusetts is more of a drive than West Virginia or Virginia, it is home to the only hot springs in New England—Sand Springs Hot Springs.
Sand Springs Hot Springs
Five hours from the Delaware-Maryland border is the Sand Springs Recreation Center. Sand Springs is also a historic site, as it is believed that North Americans used the hot spring as a water source and medicinal spring.
Water comes from the Domlet in Pownal, Vermont, descends approximately 2800 feet, and is filtered in the sand, creating unique chemical properties. From the underground aquifer, the water arms and flows until it reaches the fault line at Sand Springs, bubbling out at 72 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
For centuries, Sand Springs has been a source of healing, relaxation, and entertainment. The spring has burned twice and risen from its ashes. Today, the recreation area is a popular place to swim during the summer.
Wrapping up the Best Hot Springs in Maryland
While there are no hot springs in Maryland, the state is rich with historical and beautiful natural springs. If a relaxing hot spring soak is what you crave, though, you won’t have to travel far to find one in neighboring states.
Seeking out more adventure in the area? Check out 12 trails for the best hiking in Maryland.
- About the Author
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Nicole Kinkade grew up in campgrounds in the Midwest with her family in their RV and has many fond memories around the campfire. She and her husband took many tent camping trips at the beginning of their relationship, and she looks forward to sharing the outdoors with her young son as he gets older.
She loves discovering new camping techniques and sharing them with the world. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Media Communication, she is a passionate writer who loves sharing her knowledge online.
Nicole can be reached at nicolek.author@gmail.com