Snake Hill: Banded Agate & Albite Rockhounding in Hudson County, New Jersey

Updated June 2026

Snake Hill is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hudson 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: Hudson County
State: New Jersey
Nearest road: Laurel Hill Road
Postcode: 07096
Coordinates: 40.75814, -74.08928

Geology at Snake Hill

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: 60 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 Snake Hill

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 25°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HARRISON station (3 mi away).

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 Snake 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 Snake Hill.

Across the state line from Snake Hill

Snake Hill 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.

Snake Hill FAQ

Where is Snake Hill?+

Snake Hill is in Hudson County, New Jersey, at 40.75814, -74.08928. Nearest road: Laurel Hill Road.

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

Snake Hill 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 Snake 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 Snake Hill?+

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 Snake Hill?+

The most comfortable months at Snake Hill are March to November.

How do I get to Snake Hill?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.75814, -74.08928 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Laurel Hill Road.

More rockhounding in New Jersey

See all 72 New Jersey spots →

Open Snake Hill on the map

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