Point of Rocks: Puddingstone Rockhounding in Frederick County, Maryland

Updated July 2026

Point of Rocks is a mapped rockhounding spot in Frederick County, Maryland. Reported finds include puddingstone. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Frederick County
State: Maryland
Nearest road: Catoctin Mountain Highway
Postcode: 21777
Coordinates: 39.27546, -77.54162

Geology at Point of Rocks

This spot sits on Catoctin Formation, mapped as greenstone that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Catoctin Formation
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: greenstone
Elevation: 310 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 Point of Rocks

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 27°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FREDERICK POLICE BRKS station (11 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.

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 Point of Rocks

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

Puddingstone

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Point of Rocks.

Across the state line from Point of Rocks

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

Point of Rocks FAQ

Where is Point of Rocks?+

Point of Rocks is in Frederick County, Maryland, at 39.27546, -77.54162. Nearest road: Catoctin Mountain Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Point of Rocks?+

Point of Rocks is reported to produce Puddingstone.

Is collecting allowed at Point of Rocks?+

Permission required before collecting. Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Point of Rocks?+

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 Point of Rocks?+

The most comfortable months at Point of Rocks are February to December.

How do I get to Point of Rocks?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.27546, -77.54162 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Catoctin Mountain Highway.

More rockhounding in Maryland

See all 42 Maryland spots →

Open Point of Rocks on the map

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