Where to Find Agates near Knoxville, TN
14 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Knoxville report agate. The closest is Jellico, about 42 miles out (52 min drive).
Agates are banded chalcedony nodules that survive long after their volcanic host rock rots away, which is why they concentrate in gravel bars, beaches, and glacial deposits far from where they formed.
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Knoxville
JellicoCampbell County, Tennessee · 42 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper- UnakaCherokee County, North Carolina · 55 mi awayPublic access · Staurolite, Agate, Epidote +4
- GreeneHawkins County, Tennessee · 65 mi awayPublic access · Calcite, Celestite, Dolomite +7
- CookevillePutnam County, Tennessee · 85 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Jasper
- ClarksvilleHabersham County, Georgia · 95 mi awayPublic access · Banded Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Lake SummitHenderson County, North Carolina · 98 mi awayPublic access · Agate
- Mitchell CountyMitchell County, North Carolina · 100 mi awayPublic access · Agate
Best spotKentucky Agate District (Jackson County)Jackson County, Kentucky · 101 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper +1- SummervilleChattooga County, Georgia · 130 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Chert +1
- CasarCleveland County, North Carolina · 131 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Quartz
- KingstonBartow County, Georgia · 133 mi awayPublic access · Banded Agate, Jasper
- State Fish HatcheryChattooga County, Georgia · 134 mi awayPublic access · Banded Agate, Agate
- MurfreesboroRutherford County, Tennessee · 137 mi awayPublic access · Chert, Agate
Best spotHorse MountainBedford County, Tennessee · 144 mi awayPermission required · Horse Mountain Agate
Types of agates reported near Knoxville
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Agate11
- Banded Agate3
- Horse Mountain Agate1
Agates near Knoxville FAQ
Where can I find agates near Knoxville?+
14 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Knoxville report agate. The closest is Jellico in Campbell County, roughly 42 miles away (52 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect agates on public land near Knoxville?+
13 of the 14 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
What is the fastest way to spot an agate in a gravel bed?+
Look for waxy luster and translucence rather than color. Wet the stone or look right after rain: agate glows softly at thin edges when backlit, while jasper and chert stay opaque. Banding clinches it but is often hidden until the stone is cracked or tumbled.
How far from Knoxville do I need to drive?+
The nearest agate spot is about 42 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 144 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Knoxville
Where to Find Agates near other cities
Hunt agates around Knoxville with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
