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Long Shoals Creek: Quartz & Pyrite Rockhounding in Ashe County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Long Shoals Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Ashe County, North Carolina. Reported finds include quartz, pyrite, epidote. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Long Shoals Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
Shatley Springs Road
Postcode
28617

Geology at Long Shoals Creek

This spot sits on Ashe Metamorphic Suite and Tallulah Falls Formation; Amphibolite, mapped as amphibolite that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit
Ashe Metamorphic Suite and Tallulah Falls Formation; Amphibolite
Age
1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types
amphibolite
Elevation
2,800 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 Long Shoals Creek

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, JEFFERSON 2 E station (4 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.

State guidance last verified:

Found at Long Shoals Creek

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 Long Shoals Creek.

Across the state line from Long Shoals Creek

Long Shoals Creek is close enough to the North Carolina border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Long Shoals Creek FAQ

Where is Long Shoals Creek?+
Long Shoals Creek is in Ashe County, North Carolina, at 36.47895, -81.41170. Nearest road: Shatley Springs Road.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Long Shoals Creek?+
Long Shoals Creek is reported to produce Quartz, Pyrite, Epidote.
Is collecting allowed at Long Shoals Creek?+
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 Long Shoals Creek?+
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 Long Shoals Creek?+
The most comfortable months at Long Shoals Creek are February to December.
How do I get to Long Shoals Creek?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 36.47895, -81.41170 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Shatley Springs Road.

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