Melvin Hill (Grafton): Beryl & Spessartine Garnet Rockhounding in Grafton County, New Hampshire

Updated June 2026

Melvin Hill (Grafton) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Grafton County, New Hampshire. Reported finds include beryl, spessartine garnet. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Grafton County
State: New Hampshire
Nearest road: Palmer Road
Postcode: 03741
Coordinates: 43.55806, -72.07146

Geology at Melvin Hill (Grafton)

This spot sits on Granodiorite to tonalite, mapped as granodiorite and tonalite that formed roughly 460 to 445 million years ago. Granitic rock like this is where pegmatite pockets tend to occur, the coarse-crystal settings that typically carry beryl, tourmaline, mica, and feldspar.

Mapped unit: Granodiorite to tonalite
Age: 460–445 Ma (Late Ordovician)
Rock types: granodiorite and tonalite
Elevation: 1,400 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 Melvin Hill (Grafton)

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GRAFTON station (6 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 Melvin Hill (Grafton)

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 Melvin Hill (Grafton).

Across the state line from Melvin Hill (Grafton)

Melvin Hill (Grafton) 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.

Melvin Hill (Grafton) FAQ

Where is Melvin Hill (Grafton)?+

Melvin Hill (Grafton) is in Grafton County, New Hampshire, at 43.55806, -72.07146. Nearest road: Palmer Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Melvin Hill (Grafton)?+

Melvin Hill (Grafton) is reported to produce Beryl, Spessartine Garnet.

Is collecting allowed at Melvin Hill (Grafton)?+

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 Melvin Hill (Grafton)?+

A rock hammer, a pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses suit pegmatite ground. Work weathered zones and check dump piles; coarse crystals often sit in decomposed rock.

When is the best time to visit Melvin Hill (Grafton)?+

The most comfortable months at Melvin Hill (Grafton) are April to October.

How do I get to Melvin Hill (Grafton)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.55806, -72.07146 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Palmer Road.

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