Stratford: Amethyst Rockhounding in Coös County, New Hampshire

Updated July 2026

Stratford is a mapped rockhounding spot in Coös County, New Hampshire. Reported finds include amethyst. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Coös County
State: New Hampshire
Nearest road: Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
Coordinates: 44.73594, -71.44113

Geology at Stratford

This spot sits on Perry Mountain Formation, Sedimentary and subordinate distal felsic and mafic volcanic facies in Piermont allochthon, mapped as metasedimentary that formed roughly 445 to 420 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: Perry Mountain Formation, Sedimentary and subordinate distal felsic and mafic volcanic facies in Piermont allochthon
Age: 445–420 Ma (Llandovery to Silurian)
Rock types: metasedimentary
Elevation: 1,540 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 Stratford

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 23°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 0°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, N STRATFORD station (8 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.

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 Stratford

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

Amethyst Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Stratford.

Across the state line from Stratford

Stratford 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.

Stratford FAQ

Where is Stratford?+

Stratford is in Coös County, New Hampshire, at 44.73594, -71.44113. Nearest road: Sugarloaf Mountain Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Stratford?+

Stratford is reported to produce Amethyst.

Is collecting allowed at Stratford?+

Permission required before collecting. Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Stratford?+

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 Stratford?+

The most comfortable months at Stratford are April to October.

How do I get to Stratford?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.73594, -71.44113 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Sugarloaf Mountain Trail.

More rockhounding in New Hampshire

See all 38 New Hampshire spots →

Open Stratford on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.