Ajax Mine Spring
Tucked deep along the hairpin bends of Fayette Station Road lies Ajax Mine Spring-a hidden gem with a twist of caution.
Plan Around Ajax Mine Spring
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Ajax Mine Spring Details
Tucked deep along the hairpin bends of Fayette Station Road lies Ajax Mine Spring-a hidden gem with a twist of caution. Once a go-to spot for locals to fill their jugs with crisp mountain spring water, Ajax Mine Spring is steeped in the gritty history of the New River Gorge region. Emerging from the bones of the old Ajax Mine, this spring bubbled up from a hillside beneath towering hardwoods and sheer sandstone cliffs. For decades, it was the lifeblood for surrounding communities, offering refreshment in the shadows of coal country. But don't be too quick to grab a sip! In 2013, routine water testing revealed a dangerous cocktail of arsenic, mercury, and coliform bacteria lurking in the spring-remnants of the region's mining legacy. The National Park Service, always with an eye toward visitor safety, officially closed the spring, sealing it as a reminder of how industrial history still shapes the Gorge's natural resources today. Signs now warn travelers of the hidden hazards within this seemingly tranquil spot. Still, Ajax Mine Spring is worth a pause. Drivers and hikers exploring the scenic Fayette Station Road loop will find it a fascinating intersection of human ingenuity and nature's quiet resilience. It's a sobering yet captivating stop that invites reflection on the delicate balance between industry and environment. So while the spring may no longer quench your thirst, it offers a deep drink of Gorge history-and a powerful lesson about stewardship in this remarkable Appalachian landscape.
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
Fayette Station Road Tour
Nearby Parks Around Ajax Mine Spring
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Ajax Mine Spring
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0.0 mi away
CSX Railroad Bridge & Wolf Creek Parking Area
Tucked deep within the New River Gorge, the CSX Railroad Bridge is a working relic of West Virginia's coal-fueled past.
0.2 mi away
New River Gorge Bridge (Passing Under)
While most visitors snap their photos from above, passing under the New River Gorge Bridge gives you a thrilling, humbling look at this steel titan from below.
0.2 mi away
Fayette Station Bridge
The Fayette Station Bridge-also known as the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge-is a historic gem along the Fayette Station Road Tour.
0.2 mi away
New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge is more than just a feat of engineering-it's the crown jewel of West Virginia's skyline and a symbol of Appalachian ingenuity.
0.3 mi away
New River Gorge Bridge Overlooks
The New River Gorge Bridge Overlooks offer some of the most awe-inspiring views in the region.
