Rock hunting and fossil collecting are excellent hobbies that can take you to amazing places with stunning geological formations and pre-historic treasures. Whether you’re an experienced rockhound or a novice fossil hunter, there are countless places to explore and discover. Here are some of the best spots for rock hunting and fossil collecting in the US.
1. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park is famous for its fossils and exquisite colors in the Petrified Forest. The landscape spans 146,000 acres with many petrified logs scattered throughout the park. The park has strict rules about collecting rocks, and you must get a permit to remove any fossils. Visitors can hike through the park and spot fossil remains of ancient trees, reptiles, and even dinosaurs.
2. Agate Beach, Oregon
Agate Beach, located between Newport and Seal Rock, is one of the best spots for rock hunting in Oregon. You can find hundreds of different types of agates, jasper, and tiny fossils in the black sand beach. The area is ideal for rock hunting during low tides, and you can find various types of agate and other stones, including jasper, calcite, chalcedony, and more.
3. Big Brook, New Jersey
Big Brook, located in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, is a perfect spot for fossil hunting. The area was once covered by the ocean and has become a treasure trove of fossils, including shark teeth, clams, and sea shells. Visitors can hike along the creek, and they might find crinoid stems, bivalves, brachiopods, and even the occasional dinosaur bone.
4. Herkimer Diamond Mines, New York
Herkimer Diamond Mines is a unique spot for rock hunting in New York, where you can collect gemstones from the Herkimer diamond mines. Herkimer Diamonds are actually quartz crystals that are as clear as glass and have dual terminations. Visitors can purchase a permit to mine for crystals or dig through the tailings and river deposits searching for Herkimer Diamonds.
5. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a designated wilderness area located in northwest New Mexico, famous for its otherworldly landscapes and hoodoos. Visitors can hike through the area and look for fossils of conifers, reptiles, and dinosaurs that lived in the area approximately 70 million years ago.
In conclusion, rock hunting and fossil collecting are fascinating hobbies that can take you to amazing places filled with natural beauty and geological wonders. These are just some of the best spots to explore, and each place offers unique experiences and finds for rock and fossil enthusiasts alike. Remember to always respect nature and the rules of the parks while exploring these areas. Happy hunting!
