Ashland: Siderite Rockhounding in Boyd County, Kentucky

Updated June 2026

Ashland is a mapped rockhounding spot in Boyd County, Kentucky. Reported finds include siderite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Boyd County
State: Kentucky
Coordinates: 38.37335, -82.74383

Geology at Ashland

This spot sits on Princess Formation, mapped as coal | bone that formed roughly 315 to 305 million years ago. Fresh exposures, cuts, and drainages are typically the most productive places to look on ground like this.

Mapped unit: Princess Formation
Age: 315–305 Ma (Middle Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: coal | bone
Elevation: 850 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 Ashland

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 24°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, S PT station (9 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 Ashland

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

Siderite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Ashland.

Across the state line from Ashland

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

Ashland FAQ

Where is Ashland?+

Ashland is in Boyd County, Kentucky, at 38.37335, -82.74383.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ashland?+

Ashland is reported to produce Siderite.

Is collecting allowed at Ashland?+

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 Ashland?+

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 Ashland?+

The most comfortable months at Ashland are February to December.

How do I get to Ashland?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.37335, -82.74383 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Kentucky

See all 37 Kentucky spots →

Open Ashland on the map

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