Fredonia: Barite Rockhounding in Crittenden County, Kentucky

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Crittenden County
State: Kentucky
Nearest road: Truman Highfil Road
Postcode: 42411
Coordinates: 37.22043, -88.09291

Geology at Fredonia

This spot sits on Hardinsburg Sandstone, mapped as sandstone | shale 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: Hardinsburg Sandstone
Age: 360–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: sandstone | shale
Elevation: 440 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 Fredonia

Best months: September to July. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 48°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 30°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, EDDYVILLE 5S station (12 mi away).

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 Fredonia

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

Barite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Fredonia.

Across the state line from Fredonia

Fredonia 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.

Fredonia FAQ

Where is Fredonia?+

Fredonia is in Crittenden County, Kentucky, at 37.22043, -88.09291. Nearest road: Truman Highfil Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Fredonia?+

Fredonia is reported to produce Barite.

Is collecting allowed at Fredonia?+

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 Fredonia?+

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 Fredonia?+

The most comfortable months at Fredonia are September to July.

How do I get to Fredonia?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.22043, -88.09291 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Truman Highfil Road.

More rockhounding in Kentucky

See all 37 Kentucky spots →

Open Fredonia on the map

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