Springs

A spring occurs where groundwater emerges from the surface of the earth. Springs along the AT can range from small trickles, to post-rainfall flows, and reliable continuous flows. When possible, I prefer to drink from springs over other types of sources.

Streams

A stream is running water that flows within a surface channel. Streams are the most common source of drinking water on the trail. Streams along the AT can range from small spring-fed flows to large rivers. There are various names for streams, including creeks, brooks, and rivers.

Lakes & Ponds

A lake is a body of water surrounded by land, which may be fed by and drain into a stream. On the AT, lakes are not as common as springs and streams as a source of drinking water. However, backpackers may occasionally drink from lakes (especially in Maine).

A moose walked into this pond to eat water lilies shortly after I took the picture above.

Trail Magic

Trail Magic is always a welcome site, especially on hot summer days when seasonal water sources are drying up. During the summer months “Trail Angels” often leave water caches at road crossings, parking lots, and other locations with car access. Trail Magic water caches saved me a few times in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

Hand Well Pumps

Although not very common on the AT (other than a stretch around Connecticut), certain shelters are serviced with hand well pumps. With little effort, these pumps allow backpackers to extract groundwater from the aquifer below. I found the water usually tasted metallic.

Hoses & Sinks

Businesses, hostels, and homeowners along the trail allow hikers to fill up their bottles from sinks and garden hoses. After resupplying or spending the night in town, backpackers can fill their bottles before heading back to the trail. Despite this convenience, it was not uncommon for me to dump my tap water when passing the first natural water source after leaving town. After a few weeks in the woods the taste of chlorine becomes very off-putting!