Derry Hill: Beryl & Rose Quartz Rockhounding in Cheshire County, New Hampshire

Updated June 2026

Derry Hill is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. Reported finds include beryl, rose quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cheshire County
State: New Hampshire
Nearest road: Cochran Road
Coordinates: 43.04483, -72.37171

Geology at Derry Hill

This spot sits on Partridge Formation, undivided, mapped as slate and schist that formed roughly 470 to 445 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit: Partridge Formation, undivided
Age: 470–445 Ma (Middle Ordovician to Late Ordovician)
Rock types: slate and schist
Elevation: 1,430 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 Derry Hill

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 28°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WALPOLE 2S NEPP station (3 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 Derry Hill

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 Derry Hill.

Across the state line from Derry Hill

Derry Hill 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.

Derry Hill FAQ

Where is Derry Hill?+

Derry Hill is in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, at 43.04483, -72.37171. Nearest road: Cochran Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Derry Hill?+

Derry Hill is reported to produce Beryl, Rose Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Derry Hill?+

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 Derry Hill?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Derry Hill?+

The most comfortable months at Derry Hill are April to October.

How do I get to Derry Hill?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.04483, -72.37171 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cochran Road.

More rockhounding in New Hampshire

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Open Derry Hill on the map

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