Types of Rocks Found In the Smoky Mountains: A Guide To the 8 Most Common You'll Spot

The Smoky Mountains are a great place to find rocks and other geological specimens!

This is due to the fact that the mountains are home to a wide variety of rocks, from sedimentary to metamorphic.

Here is a guide to the eight most common types of rocks you’ll find in the Smoky Mountains.

Types of Rocks Found In the Smoky Mountains: A Guide

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Sandstone

One of the most common rocks found in the Smoky Mountains is sandstone.

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock, which means it is formed from smaller rocks that have been combined together over time.

This type of rock is usually red, brown, or tan in color and can be found in many different parts of the world!

If you are searching for sandstone, be sure to look in areas where there is a lot of wind or water erosion.

Sandstone is also very common in the Smoky Mountains region because of the many rivers and streams that flow through the area.

Many of these rivers and streams are lined with sandstone, which makes for a beautiful landscape!

Limestone

Limestone is another sedimentary rock that is commonly found in the Smoky Mountains. Limestone is usually white or gray in color and is made up of calcium carbonate.

This type of rock is often found near bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans.

In the Smoky Mountains, limestone can be found in the form of cliffs, caves, and waterfalls!

One of the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains region is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This national park is home to many limestone formations, including Cades Cove, one of the most popular areas of the park.

Shale

Shale is a type of sedimentary rock that is made up of clay, silt, and sand.

Shale is often found in layers and is usually dark in color.

This type of rock can be found all over the Smoky Mountains region.

One of the most interesting places to find shale in the Smoky Mountains is at the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

This trail is a 6.7-mile trail that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area.

Along the way, you will see many different types of rocks and plants, as well as a variety of animals.

Gneiss

Gneiss is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed when sedimentary or igneous rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures.

Gneiss is usually banded in appearance and can be found in a variety of colors.

This type of rock is common in The Smoky Mountains region, especially in areas that have been affected by volcanoes.

One of the best places to see gneiss in the Smoky Mountains is at the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower.

From this tower, you will have a panoramic view of the surrounding area, which includes many different types of rocks and minerals.

If you’re searching for Gneiss specifically, be sure to look for the banded patterns in the rocks.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed when sandstone is subjected to high temperatures and pressures.

Quartzite is usually white or gray in color and has a waxy appearance.

This type of rock can be found all over the Smoky Mountains region.

One of the best places to see quartzite in the Smoky Mountains is at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This national park is home to many different types of rocks, including quartzite.

If you are searching for Quartzite specifically, be sure to look for the waxy appearance on the rock’s surface and the white or gray color.

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock that is formed when magma cools and solidifies.

Granite is usually pink, red, or gray in color and can be found all over the world!

In the Smoky Mountains region, granite can be found in a variety of different places.

This is one of the most coveted types of rocks because of its beauty and durability.

One of the best places to see granite in the Smoky Mountains is at the Chimney Tops Trail.

This trail is a 4-mile hike that takes you to the top of one of the most popular mountains in the area.

Along the way, you will see many different types of rocks, including granite.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed when limestone or dolostone is subjected to high temperatures and pressures.

Soapstone is usually green, gray, or brown in color and is soft to the touch.

One lesser-known fact about soapstone is that it is often used in the creation of sculptures!

One of the best places to see soapstone in the Smoky Mountains region is at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This national park is considered a home base for rockhounds searching through the Smoky Mountains.

The park is full of different types of rocks and features, making it the perfect place to find soapstone.

Dolomite

Dolomite is a type of sedimentary rock that is made up of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.

Dolomite is usually white, gray, or pink in color and can be found all over the world!

In the Smoky Mountains region, dolomite can be found in a variety of different places, but the most notable place is in Cades Cove.

Cades Cove is a popular destination for many visitors because of its rich history and beautiful scenery.

This area is full of different types of rocks, including dolomite.

If you are searching for dolomite specifically, be sure to look for the tell-tale color of the rock.

One fun fact about dolomite is that it is often used in the creation of cement!

Now that you know a little bit more about the eight most common types of rocks found in the Smoky Mountains, get out there and start exploring!

Remember to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and be safe.

With all of the different types of rocks in and around the Smoky Mountains, there is no shortage of places to explore and things to see!

You might even find a rock that is not on this list!