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Bienville National Forest: Petrified Wood & Chalcedony Rockhounding in Scott County, Mississippi

Updated July 2026

Bienville National Forest spreads across central Mississippi on Oligocene and Miocene sediments that host the state's petrified wood, formed when buried hardwood was replaced grain by grain with chalcedony and opal. Heavy silicified wood, chert, and chalcedony collect in the forest's creek gravels and eroded slopes. Its federal ownership makes it one of the cleanest legal options for petrified wood in the center of the state. Reported finds include petrified wood, chalcedony, chert. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Bienville National Forest photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

A pine-lined forest road through Bienville National Forest, central Mississippi

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Scott County
State: Mississippi
Coordinates: 32.32830, -89.30370

Geology at Bienville National Forest

This spot sits on Jackson group, mapped as Eocene clay. Petrified wood typically travels as tough float, and worked gravels like these are exactly where weathered pieces tend to collect.

Mapped unit: Jackson group
Age: Eocene
Rock types: clay
Elevation: 480 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 Bienville National Forest

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 58°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 34°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FOREST 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 Bienville National Forest

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 Bienville National Forest.

Bienville National Forest FAQ

Where is Bienville National Forest?+

Bienville National Forest is in Scott County, Mississippi, at 32.32830, -89.30370.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bienville National Forest?+

Bienville National Forest is reported to produce Petrified Wood, Chalcedony, Chert.

Is collecting allowed at Bienville National Forest?+

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 Bienville National Forest?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Bienville National Forest?+

The most comfortable months at Bienville National Forest are August to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 58°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 34°F.

How do I get to Bienville National Forest?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 32.32830, -89.30370 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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