The Palisades: Banded Agate & Albite Rockhounding in Bergen County, New Jersey

Updated June 2026

The Palisades is a mapped rockhounding spot in Bergen County, New Jersey. Reported finds include banded agate, albite, amethyst, analcime, apatite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Bergen County
State: New Jersey
Nearest road: Long Path
Postcode: 07620
Coordinates: 40.95004, -73.92022

Geology at The Palisades

This spot sits on Diabase, mapped as plutonic that formed roughly 200 to 175 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: Diabase
Age: 200–175 Ma (Early Jurassic)
Rock types: plutonic
Elevation: 390 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 The Palisades

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY 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 The Palisades

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 The Palisades.

Across the state line from The Palisades

The Palisades is close enough to the New Jersey border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

The Palisades FAQ

Where is The Palisades?+

The Palisades is in Bergen County, New Jersey, at 40.95004, -73.92022. Nearest road: Long Path.

What rocks and minerals can you find at The Palisades?+

The Palisades is reported to produce Banded Agate, Albite, Amethyst, Analcime, Apatite, Calcite, Datolite, Epidote, Galena, Malachite, Common Opal, Fire Opal, Quartz, Siderite.

Is collecting allowed at The Palisades?+

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 The Palisades?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit The Palisades?+

The most comfortable months at The Palisades are March to November.

How do I get to The Palisades?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.95004, -73.92022 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Long Path.

More rockhounding in New Jersey

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Open The Palisades on the map

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