Where to Find Graphite
15 mapped graphite spots across 9 regions. Pick a region for its local guide, or browse every spot below. Graphite is reported at multiple rockhounding spots across the United States. The map below shows where collectors most often find it on legal public ground.
Every mapped graphite spot
Best spotDucktownPolk County, TennesseePublic access · Azurite, Chalcopyrite, Garnet +9
Best spotHog MountainTallapoosa County, AlabamaPermission required · Arsenic, Arsenopyrite, Galena +5
Best spotOconee CountyOconee County, South CarolinaPublic access · Gold, Graphite, Pyrite
Best spotLinville MountainBurke County, North CarolinaPublic access · Actinolite, Graphite, Manaccanite +2
Lake HarrisEssex County, New YorkPublic access · Albite, Amphibole, Apatite +10- CopperhillPolk County, TennesseePublic access · Azurite, Chalcopyrite, Garnet +9
- Scribner Ledge Quarry & Crocker Hill MinesOxford County, MainePublic access · Graphite, Molybdenite, Pyrite +9
Rossie Lead MinesSaint Lawrence County, New YorkPermission required · Galena, Calcite, Graphite +4- Hill CityPennington County, South DakotaPublic access · Beryl, Red Cassiterite, Cervantite +3
- Hunter KnobTowns County, GeorgiaPublic access · Graphite, Muscovite, Quartz +1
- BethanySouth Central Connecticut Planning Region, ConnecticutPublic access · Graphite
- CornwallNorthwest Hills Planning Region, ConnecticutPublic access · Graphite
- DanburyWestern Connecticut Planning Region, ConnecticutPublic access · Graphite
- Lead HillEssex County, New YorkPublic access · Graphite
- ReddingWestern Connecticut Planning Region, ConnecticutPublic access · Graphite
Top regions for graphite
United States
15 spots · 9 regionsGraphite rockhounding FAQ
Where is the best place to find graphite?+
Connecticut, New York, Tennessee have the highest concentrations of graphite in this list. Quality and access vary by area, so open the linked region pages for a detailed view.
How many graphite rockhounding spots does RockHoundR track?+
15 mapped spots across 9 regions. The app keeps these on a map alongside your private finds.
Can I legally collect graphite on public land?+
In the U.S., casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals like graphite is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Rules differ by country and region, so always check with the managing agency before a trip.
How do I identify graphite in the field?+
Field identification of graphite comes down to color, hardness, fracture, and luster. The RockHoundR app links to geology details for each spot to help narrow down what you might be picking up.
Hunt graphite on the map
Open RockHoundR to see these spots on a real map with public land overlays and trip-planning details.
