Pillar Point: Barite Rockhounding in Jefferson County, New York

Updated June 2026

Pillar Point is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jefferson County, New York. Reported finds include barite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Jefferson County
State: New York
Nearest road: Moffatt Road
Postcode: 13622
Coordinates: 44.02411, -76.11411

Geology at Pillar Point

This spot sits on Trenton Group, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 470 to 460 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Trenton Group
Age: 470–460 Ma (Middle Ordovician)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 350 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 Pillar Point

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WATERTOWN AP station (5 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 Pillar Point

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

Barite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Pillar Point.

Pillar Point FAQ

Where is Pillar Point?+

Pillar Point is in Jefferson County, New York, at 44.02411, -76.11411. Nearest road: Moffatt Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pillar Point?+

Pillar Point is reported to produce Barite.

Is collecting allowed at Pillar Point?+

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 Pillar Point?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Pillar Point?+

The most comfortable months at Pillar Point are April to November.

How do I get to Pillar Point?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.02411, -76.11411 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Moffatt Road.

More rockhounding in New York

See all 70 New York spots →

Open Pillar Point on the map

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