The largest natural spring in Pennsylvania can be found in the appropriately-named town of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania in Cumberland County. While there are hot springs in Pennsylvania, this is not your typical hot spring, despite what the town name might suggest. The town is called Boiling Springs because there are a number of artisan wells bubbling up throughout the town - the biggest of which enters a beautiful lake in the center of town.
Children's Lake is the name of this giant, spring-fed lake.
And it's gorgeous to behold. On the opposite bank, you can spot what was once a grist mill. The building has since been converted to apartments.
The lake's surface appears to bubble in certain areas due to a disturbance from the spring itself. This rippling effect creates the illusion of boiling.
The temperature of these natural springs is a consistent 55.5–55.8 degrees all year round. Local ducks, swans, and geese love the constant fresh source of spring-fed water.
At least we think so, we don't actually speak waterfowl to know for sure.
Though the spring is naturally occurring, the lake was constructed in the 1750s by damming the spring. At seven acres in surface area, the spring feeds the lake about 22 million gallons of water per day.
Children's Lake is a peaceful, beautiful spot to visit - one of the most notable bodies of water in central Pennsylvania. Visitors can also boat or fish on the lake.
The video below gives you a better sense of the area around Children's Lake while showing how to walk to see the spring itself feeding into the lake.
Have you ever visited this gorgeous spring lake in Pennsylvania? Or do you know of any other ones that rival its beauty? If you've discovered true hot springs in Pennsylvania share your stories below - we love hearing from you!
Now that you are all "warmed up" from Boiling Springs, PA how about another adventure to find the best swimming holes in Pennsylvania?
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