Pitts Garnet Mine: Actinolite & Calcite Rockhounding in Androscoggin County, Maine

Updated June 2026

Pitts Garnet Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Androscoggin County, Maine. Reported finds include actinolite, calcite, diopside, garnet, molybdenite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Androscoggin County
State: Maine
Nearest road: Woodman Hill Road
Postcode: 04258
Coordinates: 44.10562, -70.33320

Geology at Pitts Garnet Mine

This spot sits on Sangerville Formation, mapped as shale and sandstone that formed roughly 435 to 425 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: Sangerville Formation
Age: 435–425 Ma (Wenlock)
Rock types: shale and sandstone
Elevation: 290 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 Pitts Garnet Mine

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 28°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LEWISTON station (6 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Maine Geological Survey
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
Acadia National Park rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Pitts Garnet Mine

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 Pitts Garnet Mine.

Across the state line from Pitts Garnet Mine

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

Pitts Garnet Mine FAQ

Where is Pitts Garnet Mine?+

Pitts Garnet Mine is in Androscoggin County, Maine, at 44.10562, -70.33320. Nearest road: Woodman Hill Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pitts Garnet Mine?+

Pitts Garnet Mine is reported to produce Actinolite, Calcite, Diopside, Garnet, Molybdenite, Quartz, Titanite, Clinozoisite, Clinochlore, Beryl, Feldspar, Muscovite.

Is collecting allowed at Pitts Garnet Mine?+

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 Pitts Garnet Mine?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Pitts Garnet Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Pitts Garnet Mine are April to November.

How do I get to Pitts Garnet Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.10562, -70.33320 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Woodman Hill Road.

More rockhounding in Maine

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Open Pitts Garnet Mine on the map

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