Welch Spring Trail

Welch Hospital is a unique area in the riverways.

Patty Wheatley-Bishop

0.8 miles round trip. The trail is located off Hwy. K north of Akers.It is an easy walk from the trailhead parking area north along a rock/earth impoundment out to Welch Spring which emits 78.2 million gallons of crystal clear water a day from a cave at the base of a dolomite cliff. An old impoundment contains the flow, then water tumbles into the Current River over rock debris. Of interest the stone ruins of an old hospital can be seen across the containment pond where tuberculosis "cures" were sought with convalescing patients breathing in the thick, cold, damp vapors which welled up from the cave.

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets must remain on a 6ft leash.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

welch spring

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Uneven surfaces, inclines and large rocks on the base of the trail make this trail inaccessible to wheelchairs.