Barkhamsted: Actinolite & Asbestos Rockhounding in Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut

Updated June 2026

Barkhamsted is a mapped rockhounding spot in Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut. Reported finds include actinolite, asbestos, soapstone. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Northwest Hills Planning Region
State: Connecticut
Nearest road: Legion Road
Postcode: 06065
Coordinates: 41.93904, -73.00841

Geology at Barkhamsted

This spot sits on Hoosac Schist, mapped as schist and gneiss that formed roughly 540 to 485 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Hoosac Schist
Age: 540–485 Ma (Cambrian)
Rock types: schist and gneiss
Elevation: 520 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 Barkhamsted

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 34°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BARKHAMSTED station (3 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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Barkhamsted

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

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Barkhamsted.

Across the state line from Barkhamsted

Barkhamsted is close enough to the Connecticut border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Barkhamsted FAQ

Where is Barkhamsted?+

Barkhamsted is in Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut, at 41.93904, -73.00841. Nearest road: Legion Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Barkhamsted?+

Barkhamsted is reported to produce Actinolite, Asbestos, Soapstone.

Is collecting allowed at Barkhamsted?+

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 Barkhamsted?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Barkhamsted?+

The most comfortable months at Barkhamsted are March to November.

How do I get to Barkhamsted?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.93904, -73.00841 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Legion Road.

More rockhounding in Connecticut

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Open Barkhamsted on the map

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