Hyatt Creek: Almandine Garnet & Staurolite Rockhounding in Cherokee County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Hyatt Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Reported finds include almandine garnet, staurolite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cherokee County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Hyatt Creek Road
Postcode: 28905
Coordinates: 35.19650, -83.93612

Geology at Hyatt Creek

This spot sits on Nantahala Formation and Tusquitee Quartzite, undivided, mapped as slate and metasiltstone that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this is where garnet, staurolite, and kyanite typically grow as the rock recrystallizes under heat and pressure.

Mapped unit: Nantahala Formation and Tusquitee Quartzite, undivided
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: slate and metasiltstone
Elevation: 2,000 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 Hyatt Creek

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 49°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ANDREWS 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

North Carolina Geological Survey
Nantahala/Pisgah National Forests
Emerald Hollow Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Hyatt 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 Hyatt Creek.

Across the state line from Hyatt Creek

Hyatt 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.

Hyatt Creek FAQ

Where is Hyatt Creek?+

Hyatt Creek is in Cherokee County, North Carolina, at 35.19650, -83.93612. Nearest road: Hyatt Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hyatt Creek?+

Hyatt Creek is reported to produce Almandine Garnet, Staurolite.

Is collecting allowed at Hyatt 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 Hyatt Creek?+

A rock hammer, a sieve, and a small shovel work well for garnet-type minerals, which concentrate as resistant grains in soils and creek gravels.

When is the best time to visit Hyatt Creek?+

Hyatt Creek is workable year-round.

How do I get to Hyatt Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.19650, -83.93612 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Hyatt Creek Road.

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Open Hyatt Creek on the map

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