Most People Don't Know There's A Fountain Of Youth Hiding In New York's Woods
By Lea Monroe|Published April 27, 2017
×
Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
Tuck Everlasting, an enchanting fantasy that was a part of so many of our childhoods. The dreamy story of a natural spring tucked away within the woods that gave anyone who drank its water eternal life is one that easily captures our hearts. The mythical tale is one that we often long for, an unobtainable desire that’s simply out of our reach. But what if we told you that there are springs within Upstate New York that are said to have actual healing powers? No myth indeed, these fountains of youth that are hiding in the woods belong on your bucket list if you haven’t visited already.
It's no secret that New York has some spectacular water, one of the many perks to living in our state.
You may be familiar with the fact that Saratoga's water tastes amazing, but did you know that certain springs are said to hold healing powers?
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Advertisement
Make your way into Saratoga Spa State Park and heads towards Geyser Loop Road, it's here where you'll find some of our most secluded and powerful springs.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
At this part in the park you'll explore a half-mile loop, with the lower entrance of the trail being home to Hayes Well Spring.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Right near Geyser Island, the Hayes Well Spring is known for having excess carbon dioxide that's perfect for relieving sinus congestion if you inhale it.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
If you travel along the top part of this trail that's a flat and easy walk, you'll quickly find one of the most well-known springs in all of Saratoga.
Out of all of the springs, Orenda is known for having the highest levels of potassium iodide.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Advertisement
With plenty of informational signs about the springs within the park, you'll be able to read about the history of these magical fountains of water as you explore the area.
Great to drink if you're looking for a natural antacid, the spring is surrounded by a backdrop of beautiful forestry that will leave you in awe.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Drawing in residents from all of New York and even out of town friends from neighboring states, the water in Saratoga is open to the public and free to bottle up!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
While not all of the springs are within the state park, the majority of them can be found here. Just across the way from the Geyser Loop Trail you'll also be able to find Karista Spring!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
The other wonder you'll also find in this area? The Polaris Spring!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Watching those who are unaware of this particular spring's taste take a sip of this water is one of the most comical things you can witness. One of the last times I was exploring this state park, I witnessed a young boy take a drink before his mom had a chance to warn him of the tangy, carbonated taste. The look on his face was priceless. The Polaris Spring is a natural seltzer water that's quite carbonated and not like most of our other springs.
When it comes to healing powers, the Polaris Spring has been attributed to having skin softening characteristics, with higher levels of natural iron and silica. But the one perk of this fountain that you'll want to know about is the fact that it's perfect for making smoothies. You'll frequently hear people say that they use this particular spring water to add into juice and other beverages.
Advertisement
Long practiced by our local Upstate residents, the Saratoga spring water is still used today for bathing and drinking with the purpose of having beneficial health side affects.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
In general, the spring water of Saratoga has been known with helping issues like arthritis, psoriasis, gastrointestinal problems and other medical issues. Today, those who are looking to do more than just bottle up this water can experience mineral baths at the Roosevelt Bath & Spa that gives you the luxury of emerging yourself in the healing water.
To see a full map of where are the springs are located within Saratoga, click here.
