Berkeley Springs

Berkeley Springs is a small town in West Virginia built around natural warm springs that flow year-round at a steady temperature of roughly 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Historic bathhouses line the main area and offer soaking pools, massage services, and other water-based treatments.

The area became known in the mid-1700s when George Washington visited the springs as a surveyor, which sparked growing interest in the location. The site gradually developed into a developed health resort as more people traveled there to experience the mineral waters.

The town draws people who come to soak in warm mineral waters and seek relaxation at the bathhouses, which serve as gathering places for both visitors and locals. These springs have shaped how the community views itself as a health and wellness destination over many generations.

The bathhouses are within walking distance of each other and operate throughout the year, though visiting during warmer months tends to be more comfortable. Plan to spend several hours if you want to try multiple treatments and experience the different facilities.

An inventor named James Rumsey tested an early steamboat design here in 1784 and demonstrated it to George Washington and others watching from the shore. This happened nearly a generation before steamboat technology became common elsewhere.

Location: Morgan County

Inception: December 1776

Elevation above the sea: 185 m

Website: http://berkeleysprings.com

GPS coordinates: 39.62556,-78.22694

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:19