Rockhound Locations in West Virginia

West Virginia Rockhound Locations

While rockhounding in West Virginia isn’t as popular as it is in Virginia, there are still certain minerals, rocks, crystals, gemstones, and unique fossils to be found. Everybody knows the state well for the coal mines, but many don’t realize that it’s possible to find specimens like agates, flint, opals, and geodes.

Have you ever dreamed of going on a rock-hounding adventure in West Virginia? Rockhounds can find Quartz Crystals, Geodes, Petrified Wood, and Calcite Crystals among other minerals. With its diverse landscape, West Virginia can be a perfect place for you to hunt for rocks!

Be polite wherever you explore. Always pack out what you packed in. Meaning if you stop for a snack while rockhounding at any site, clean up after yourself and pack your trash items back out with you.

Always do your research regarding laws and regulations, and don’t forget to ask for permission to access an area and collect specimens.

This article will discuss the top rockhound locations in West Virginia and the different types of rocks and minerals you can collect. Don’t forget to make it to the bottom of the page because we list out the best rock and mineral societies in the state. If you’re serious about collecting rocks then you’ll want to join one of these amazing clubs.

If you’re an active rock collector in West Virginia then send us an email about your favorite locations and we will feature you on the site and we might sponsor you as well. That’s right, we will pay you to go dig for rocks and minerals.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a rock-hounding journey, then grab your rock hammer, and let’s get started!

Dig For Geodes

Finding Geodes and Agates in West Virginia

I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who doesn’t find geodes fascinating or beautiful. The thing about geodes is that you never know what patterns or crystals are waiting to be exposed inside. Which is part of the reason they’re so awesome to find.

However, finding geodes in West Virginia is rare, so you’ll need luck and know-how. Supposedly, the best location to find geodes in the state is near Smoke Hole, in the large limestone outcrops. It wouldn’t hurt to explore the nearby stream gravels where geodes might have eroded out of the faces of cliffs.

Agates are some of the most popular rocks to tumble. Their intricate banding and unique designs are a part of the reason rockhounds love finding them. Agates are some of the most commonly collected specimens in the US. Still, they’re relatively rare to find in West Virginia. The state is relatively devoid of Agates, but finding some in Mercer County might be possible if you look hard enough.

Dig For Quartz Crystals

The Smoke Hole Area is an excellent place to start this list. Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia, which connects to the Alleghenies, and to the west, you’ll find Monongahela National Forest. Because of the U.S. Forest Service, rock and gemstone collecting is allowed.

The mixed-terrain forest is highly mineralized and geologically complex. The forest within this area offers several locations for rockhounds to find incredible specimens.

You’ll find Smoke Hole Canyon along the eastern edge of the forest between Cave Mountain and North Mountain. It’s a long, half-mile-deep gorge that’s been carved by the South Branch of the beautiful Potomac River. If you hit this area, you’ll find some exceptional specimens, including:

• Geodes
• Quartz
• Pyrite
• Gypsum
• Fossils
• Agates

All you should really need are some basic rockhounding tools.

Dig For Petrified Wood

Judy Gap is even closer to Spruce Knob, neatly nestled along the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River. Here you’ll find Judy Gap.

Along the surface of the streams, riverbeds, and gravels of this area, rockhounds are bound to find various exciting specimens, including:

• Dolomite 
• Smoky Quartz
• Calcite
• Travertine
• Agates

The best areas to explore are where the water slows down, forming an alluvial deposit. You can reach this rockhound location from Smoke Hole within 40 minutes, and it’s worth the drive.

Dig For Gems and Minerals

The Harman Area is only about 22 miles northwest of Judy Gap. Some of the specimens you might possibly find along the banks of Horse Camp Run River include:

• Quartz Crystals
• Calcite
• Dolomite
• Agates

Rockhounds are likely to get lucky if they check the location 11 miles west between Blizzard Gate and Harman Church of Brethren. Suppose you want to hit multiple rockhound locations in one day. In that case, Smokey Hole, Judy Gap, and Harman are a trio within Pendleton County worth exploring.

The southern edge of the Alleghenies in Greenbrier County might be one of the best rockhound locations to search for Quartz crystals and Agates in West Virginia.

This area contains a large amount of public land, which is generally open to anyone interested in rockhounding and collecting. It’s been said that even more specifically, south of Asbury and north of Alderson is prime rockhounding territory. Exploring this location might lead to finding Smokey and clear double-terminated Quartz, especially if one searches along the banks of Muddy Creek.

Dig For Calcite Crystals

Things To Remember When Rockhounding in West Virginia

Rockhounding locations are constantly changing and evolving. Specimens can become depleted from over-collecting, sites are sometimes built on or altered, locality info in literature can be inaccurate, and property ownership might change.

The legalities of mineral and rock harvesting on public lands depend primarily on which of the four federal agencies own it. Land designated as national parks are areas protected from damage, which means rockhound is often widely not permitted. While public land owned by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) usually allows the collection of specimens within certain limitations.

Joining local rockhound clubs and societies is an excellent idea for those looking for inside tips and locations.