Cove Creek: Pyrite Rockhounding in Hot Spring County, Arkansas

Updated June 2026

Cove Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hot Spring County, Arkansas. Reported finds include pyrite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hot Spring County
State: Arkansas
Nearest road: Gourdneck Valley Road
Postcode: 72104
Coordinates: 34.48566, -92.82617

Geology at Cove Creek

This spot sits on Stanley Shale, mapped as black shale, sandstone, and siltstone that formed roughly 360 to 325 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Stanley Shale
Age: 360–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: black shale, sandstone, and siltstone
Elevation: 500 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Cove Creek

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 51°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 29°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MALVERN station (6 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Ouachita National Forest — Mineral Collecting
Crater of Diamonds State Park — Rules and finds
Arkansas Geological Survey
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Cove Creek

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Pyrite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Cove Creek.

Cove Creek FAQ

Where is Cove Creek?+

Cove Creek is in Hot Spring County, Arkansas, at 34.48566, -92.82617. Nearest road: Gourdneck Valley Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Cove Creek?+

Cove Creek is reported to produce Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Cove Creek?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Cove Creek?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Cove Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Cove Creek are September to June.

How do I get to Cove Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.48566, -92.82617 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Gourdneck Valley Road.

More rockhounding in Arkansas

See all 32 Arkansas spots →

Open Cove Creek on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.