Dalton: Asbestos & Talc Rockhounding in Berkshire County, Massachusetts

Updated June 2026

Dalton is a mapped rockhounding spot in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Reported finds include asbestos, talc. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Berkshire County
State: Massachusetts
Nearest road: Park Avenue
Postcode: 01227
Coordinates: 42.48616, -73.17264

Geology at Dalton

This spot sits on Walloomsac Formation, mapped as phyllite and schist that formed roughly 470 to 460 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Walloomsac Formation
Age: 470–460 Ma (Middle Ordovician)
Rock types: phyllite and schist
Elevation: 1,250 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 Dalton

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PITTSFIELD MUNI AP station (7 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 Dalton

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 Dalton.

Across the state line from Dalton

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

Dalton FAQ

Where is Dalton?+

Dalton is in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, at 42.48616, -73.17264. Nearest road: Park Avenue.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Dalton?+

Dalton is reported to produce Asbestos, Talc.

Is collecting allowed at Dalton?+

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 Dalton?+

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 Dalton?+

The most comfortable months at Dalton are April to November.

How do I get to Dalton?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.48616, -73.17264 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Park Avenue.

More rockhounding in Massachusetts

See all 45 Massachusetts spots →

Open Dalton on the map

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