Pillsbury Ridge: Aquamarine & Beryl Rockhounding in Sullivan County, New Hampshire

Updated June 2026

Pillsbury Ridge is a mapped rockhounding spot in Sullivan County, New Hampshire. Reported finds include aquamarine, beryl, amethyst, smoky quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sullivan County
State: New Hampshire
Nearest road: Old Grafton Road
Postcode: 03284
Coordinates: 43.53502, -71.99439

Geology at Pillsbury Ridge

This spot sits on Concord Granite, mapped as granite that formed roughly 385 to 360 million years ago. Granitic ground like this typically carries quartz veins and pockets, and weathered crystals tend to collect in the soils and drainages below.

Mapped unit: Concord Granite
Age: 385–360 Ma (Late Devonian)
Rock types: granite
Elevation: 1,570 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 Pillsbury Ridge

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GRAFTON 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 Pillsbury Ridge

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 Pillsbury Ridge.

Across the state line from Pillsbury Ridge

Pillsbury Ridge 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.

Pillsbury Ridge FAQ

Where is Pillsbury Ridge?+

Pillsbury Ridge is in Sullivan County, New Hampshire, at 43.53502, -71.99439. Nearest road: Old Grafton Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pillsbury Ridge?+

Pillsbury Ridge is reported to produce Aquamarine, Beryl, Amethyst, Smoky Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Pillsbury Ridge?+

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 Pillsbury Ridge?+

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 Pillsbury Ridge?+

The most comfortable months at Pillsbury Ridge are April to October.

How do I get to Pillsbury Ridge?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.53502, -71.99439 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Old Grafton Road.

More rockhounding in New Hampshire

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Open Pillsbury Ridge on the map

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