Conway: Agate Rockhounding in Franklin County, Massachusetts

Updated June 2026

Conway is a mapped rockhounding spot in Franklin County, Massachusetts. Reported finds include agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Franklin County
State: Massachusetts
Nearest road: South Deerfield Road
Postcode: 01341
Coordinates: 42.50943, -72.68348

Geology at Conway

This spot sits on Waits River Formation, mapped as schist that formed roughly 420 to 395 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Waits River Formation
Age: 420–395 Ma (Early Devonian)
Rock types: schist
Elevation: 670 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 Conway

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 31°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GREENFIELD #3 station (6 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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 Conway

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

Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Conway.

Across the state line from Conway

Conway 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.

Conway FAQ

Where is Conway?+

Conway is in Franklin County, Massachusetts, at 42.50943, -72.68348. Nearest road: South Deerfield Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Conway?+

Conway is reported to produce Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Conway?+

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 Conway?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Conway?+

The most comfortable months at Conway are April to November.

How do I get to Conway?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.50943, -72.68348 in Google Maps. The nearest road is South Deerfield Road.

More rockhounding in Massachusetts

See all 45 Massachusetts spots →

Open Conway on the map

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