Gore: Halloysite Rockhounding in Chattooga County, Georgia

Updated June 2026

Gore is a mapped rockhounding spot in Chattooga County, Georgia. Reported finds include halloysite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Chattooga County
State: Georgia
Nearest road: Pinhoti Trail
Coordinates: 34.54879, -85.25639

Geology at Gore

This spot sits on Chickamauga Group; Upper and Middle Ordovician rocks (Oum) includes Sequatchie Limestone, Murfreesboro Limestone, Ridley Limestone, Moccasin Limestone and Bays Formation, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 485 to 445 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Chickamauga Group; Upper and Middle Ordovician rocks (Oum) includes Sequatchie Limestone, Murfreesboro Limestone, Ridley Limestone, Moccasin Limestone and Bays Formation
Age: 485–445 Ma (Ordovician)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 1,300 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 Gore

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 50°F in winter to 88°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SUMMERVILLE station (10 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 Gore

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

Halloysite

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Gore.

Across the state line from Gore

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

Gore FAQ

Where is Gore?+

Gore is in Chattooga County, Georgia, at 34.54879, -85.25639. Nearest road: Pinhoti Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Gore?+

Gore is reported to produce Halloysite.

Is collecting allowed at Gore?+

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 Gore?+

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 Gore?+

Gore is workable year-round.

How do I get to Gore?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.54879, -85.25639 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Pinhoti Trail.

More rockhounding in Georgia

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Open Gore on the map

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