Ulster County: Sphalerite & Siderite Rockhounding in Ulster County, New York

Updated June 2026

Ulster County is a mapped rockhounding spot in Ulster County, New York. Reported finds include sphalerite, siderite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Ulster County
State: New York
Nearest road: Vly-Atwood Road
Postcode: 12484
Coordinates: 41.89875, -74.20808

Geology at Ulster County

This spot sits on Plattekill and Ashokan Formations, mapped as shale and sandstone that formed roughly 395 to 385 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Plattekill and Ashokan Formations
Age: 395–385 Ma (Middle Devonian)
Rock types: shale and sandstone
Elevation: 1,060 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 Ulster County

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 34°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MOHONK LAKE station (9 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 Ulster County

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 Ulster County.

Across the state line from Ulster County

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

Ulster County FAQ

Where is Ulster County?+

Ulster County is in Ulster County, New York, at 41.89875, -74.20808. Nearest road: Vly-Atwood Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ulster County?+

Ulster County is reported to produce Sphalerite, Siderite.

Is collecting allowed at Ulster County?+

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 Ulster County?+

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 Ulster County?+

The most comfortable months at Ulster County are March to November.

How do I get to Ulster County?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.89875, -74.20808 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Vly-Atwood Road.

More rockhounding in New York

See all 74 New York spots →

Open Ulster County on the map

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