Norwich Bridge: Beryl Rockhounding in Hampshire County, Massachusetts

Updated June 2026

Norwich Bridge is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Reported finds include beryl. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hampshire County
State: Massachusetts
Nearest road: Worthington Road
Postcode: 01050
Coordinates: 42.24871, -72.86807

Geology at Norwich Bridge

This spot sits on Goshen Formation, mapped as schist that formed roughly 420 to 395 million years ago. Metamorphic belts like this often host pegmatite dikes, the coarse-crystal bodies that typically carry beryl, tourmaline, and sheet mica.

Mapped unit: Goshen Formation
Age: 420–395 Ma (Early Devonian)
Rock types: schist
Elevation: 420 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 Norwich Bridge

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 15°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WORTHINGTON station (10 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 Norwich Bridge

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

Beryl Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Norwich Bridge.

Across the state line from Norwich Bridge

Norwich Bridge 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.

Norwich Bridge FAQ

Where is Norwich Bridge?+

Norwich Bridge is in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, at 42.24871, -72.86807. Nearest road: Worthington Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Norwich Bridge?+

Norwich Bridge is reported to produce Beryl.

Is collecting allowed at Norwich Bridge?+

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 Norwich Bridge?+

A rock hammer, a pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses suit pegmatite ground. Work weathered zones and check dump piles; coarse crystals often sit in decomposed rock.

When is the best time to visit Norwich Bridge?+

The most comfortable months at Norwich Bridge are March to November.

How do I get to Norwich Bridge?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.24871, -72.86807 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Worthington Road.

More rockhounding in Massachusetts

See all 45 Massachusetts spots →

Open Norwich Bridge on the map

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