Sandy River at New Sharon — Rockhounding in Franklin County, Maine
The Maine Geological Survey lists the Sandy River from Avon to New Sharon as open to recreational gold prospecting, one of the few reaches where even motorized methods are allowed. The gold is fine placer flour gold carried in the river's black sand, with garnet and magnetite among the heavy concentrates. The state maintains a free public boat access on the river off Route 2. Reported finds include gold, garnet, magnetite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.
Sandy River at New Sharon photos
Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.
Map showing Sandy River at New Sharon in Franklin County, Maine
Quick details
- Access
- Public area
- County
- Franklin County
- State
- Maine
- Coordinates
- 44.62062, -70.06526
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:
- Maine Geological Survey
- Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
- Acadia National Park rules
- Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules
Found at Sandy River at New Sharon
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 Sandy River at New Sharon.
- Havey Tourmaline QuarryFranklin County, Maine · 17 mi away
- Ragged Jack MountainOxford County, Maine · 22 mi awayAlmandine Garnet, Chrysoberyl, Fluorapatite
- Hedgehog Hill QuarryOxford County, Maine · 22 mi awayAlbite, Almandine Garnet, Beryl
- Swift River at Coos CanyonTop pick in MaineOxford County, Maine · 29 mi awayGold, Garnet, Magnetite
- Scribner Ledge Quarry & Crocker Hill MinesOxford County, Maine · 31 mi awayGraphite, Molybdenite, Pyrite
- Dig Maine GemsOxford County, Maine · 31 mi away
- Singepole Mountain QuarryOxford County, Maine · 33 mi awayAlmandine Garnet, Beryl, Biotite
- Bemis Stream ProspectFranklin County, Maine · 35 mi awayAlbite, Beryl, Green Elbaite Tourmaline
Across the state line from Sandy River at New Sharon
Sandy River at New Sharon 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.
- Mount JasperCoös County, New Hampshire · 56 mi awayJasper
- Hurricane MountainCarroll County, New Hampshire · 63 mi awayAmethyst, Smoky Quartz
- RedstoneCarroll County, New Hampshire · 66 mi awayAmethyst, Apatite, Quartz
- Victor HeadCoös County, New Hampshire · 66 mi awayAlbite, Amethyst, Beryl
- StratfordCoös County, New Hampshire · 68 mi awayAmethyst
- ConwayCarroll County, New Hampshire · 69 mi awayFeldspar, Smoky Quartz, Topaz
Sandy River at New Sharon FAQ
Why is Sandy River at New Sharon one of the best rockhounding spots in Maine?+
Where is Sandy River at New Sharon?+
What rocks and minerals can you find at Sandy River at New Sharon?+
Is collecting allowed at Sandy River at New Sharon?+
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More rockhounding in Maine
See all 31 Maine spots →Open Sandy River at New Sharon on the map
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