Best spot

South Baldface Mountain — Rockhounding in Carroll County, New Hampshire

Updated July 2026

The pegmatite ledges high on South Baldface Mountain carry smoky quartz, feldspar and biotite in the Conway granite, and the site is historically important as the source of a rare phenakite and topaz find first described in 1923. The collecting ledges lie above a false timberline on national forest land. Reaching them is a strenuous alpine hike rather than a roadside stop. Reported finds include smoky quartz, topaz, phenakite, feldspar. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

South Baldface Mountain photos

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

1 photo

Map showing South Baldface Mountain in Carroll County, New Hampshire

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
Baldface Circle Trail

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 South Baldface Mountain

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 South Baldface Mountain.

Across the state line from South Baldface Mountain

South Baldface Mountain is close enough to the New Hampshire border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

South Baldface Mountain FAQ

Why is South Baldface Mountain one of the best rockhounding spots in New Hampshire?+
The pegmatite ledges high on South Baldface Mountain carry smoky quartz, feldspar and biotite in the Conway granite, and the site is historically important as the source of a rare phenakite and topaz find first described in 1923. The collecting ledges lie above a false timberline on national forest land. Reaching them is a strenuous alpine hike rather than a roadside stop.
Where is South Baldface Mountain?+
South Baldface Mountain is in Carroll County, New Hampshire, at 44.21030, -71.05170. Nearest road: Baldface Circle Trail.
What rocks and minerals can you find at South Baldface Mountain?+
South Baldface Mountain is reported to produce Smoky Quartz, Topaz, Phenakite, Feldspar.
Is collecting allowed at South Baldface Mountain?+
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.
How do I get to South Baldface Mountain?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 44.21030, -71.05170 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Baldface Circle Trail.

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