Rockhounding New Hampshire: 6 Places To Hunt Rocks, Crystals, and Fossils

Known as the “Granite State,” New Hampshire can be a haven for rockhounds, young, old, professional, and amateur if they know where to look for their latest find.

New Hampshire offers several key locations for finding a variety of fossils, crystals, minerals, rocks, and gems.

In the following article, we will list the most popular locations in and near New Hampshire for rockhounds to go search for new and exciting specimens.

Rockhounding New Hampshire

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Laws are updated. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material.

Mount Kearsarge

Those on the hunt for the popular gem rose quartz may find a stroke of luck if they search in New Hampshire near the peak of Mount Kearsarge.

As a community situated inside Conway and Bartlett in Carroll County, New Hampshire, Kearsarge is a quaint area to visit.

The mountain, Mount Kearsarge, overlooks the area and also hosts Mount Kearsarge State Park.

Mount Kearsarge is a steep, satisfying climb for moderate to experienced hikers and rockhounds.

In addition to the gem of rose quartz, rock hounds can hope to find specimens such as graphite near Mount Kearsarge’s peak.

Visitors should double-check with the State Park officials before pocketing any finds and be mindful to preserve the natural environment by resisting the temptation to overharvest rock specimens from this area.

Beryl Mountain

This site is a free site that allows rockhounds to take home specimens they find in the natural environment.

As a free site, it is the perfect spot for rock-loving families to take their little ones for the first taste of rock-hounding.

It is also great for adult rock-hounds on a budget or those who prefer to enjoy nature without hefty costs.

Mount Nancy

In case the first two mountains we suggested have not been enough of a rock hounding adventure for you, we recommend checking out Mount Nancy in New Hampshire, near Lincoln, on the upper slopes of the mountain.

For those interested, an approximate GPS coordinate for the best chances of uncovering amethyst specimens is: GPS 44.122967, -71.406350.

In general, if you search along the top slopes of the mountain, you will have the highest chance of a successful rock hounding trip to Mount Nancy.

Mount Nancy is located near New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, so those who are choosing to rockhound in this area should consult local laws and ask local officials before removing rocks and fossils from the region.

In most cases, provided that you are only removing small specimens for personal use and staying away from damaging protected areas and species, you should be okay to take rocks from the area.

Still, it never hurts to clarify before proceeding.

Hutchins Mountain

For those who are looking for a wide variety of rocks and minerals, the westside slopes of Hutchins Mountain near Lancaster, New Hampshire, may produce the best results.

Located in Coos County, New Hampshire near the Connecticut River, this area is accessible to New England residents and visitors as well as Canadians who live or visit just across the border.

The GPS coordinates for the best spot on the west slope of Hutchins Mountain in New Hampshire are 44.547424, -71.461781.

Visitors should plan for a combination of hiking and driving to reach this point and consider bringing appropriate gear for hiking, digging, and walking long distances.

As a reward for their efforts, rock and mineral enthusiasts can hope to find rocks and minerals such as beryl, chlorite, fluorite, muscovite, pyrite, smoky quarts, amethyst, feldspar, topaz, limonite, and more in this area.

Local rockhounds consider it plentiful and really worth the visit.

Mount Jasper

As the name implies, Mount Jasper, located near the largest city in New Hampshire’s Coo County called Berlin, is a great place to seek out the coveted light green gem Jasper.

For non-locals and locals alike, Mount Jasper is relatively easy to find.

It is situated near the local high school, Berlin Senior High School.

There are trails on and around Mount Jasper for walking that are open for free to the public.

These might be good spaces to begin searching for Jasper and other related rocks and minerals.

If you drive up the mountain, you may find spots that are also suitable for rock hounding.

In searching on Mount Jasper for gems and minerals, stay mindful of signage that indicates preserved or private property and make sure to check with local laws to ensure that you are safe when taking specimens off the mountain.

White Mountain National Forest

If you are already in the area near Mount Kearsarge, you might as well head north of the town of Conway to the White Mountain National Forest for exciting rock collecting opportunities for individuals and families.

The Moat Mountain Smokey Quartz Collecting Area is the main renowned rockhounding site that is easily accessible for rockhounds of all levels of experience in White Mountain National Forest.

The site is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

The area features little crystals of smoky quartz samples that are tucked in Conway’s granite.

Although the site offers collecting as an activity for free, there may be fees for parking, regulations, and laws associated with the area.

It is about a mile walk from the nearest parking space, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip to the Moat Mountain Smokey Quartz Collecting Area.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, New Hampshire is especially popular for its sharp mountain peaks and beautiful nature scenes. The state mineral is beryl, while the state rock is granite.

New Hampshire’s state gemstone is smokey quartz and their state fossil is the Mastodon.

For rockhounds, New Hampshire is a great place to start a New England rock hunting road trip that truly values its naturally rich landscape and the treasures hidden within it.