Beaverdam Creek: Cassiterite Rockhounding in Gaston County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Beaverdam Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Gaston County, North Carolina. Reported finds include cassiterite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Gaston County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Hephzibah Church Road
Postcode: 28033
Coordinates: 35.38639, -81.28646

Geology at Beaverdam Creek

This spot sits on Mica Schist, mapped as mica schist that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Mica Schist
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: mica schist
Elevation: 770 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 Beaverdam Creek

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 52°F in winter to 89°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LINCOLNTON 4 W station (6 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: 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 Beaverdam Creek

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

Cassiterite

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Beaverdam Creek.

Across the state line from Beaverdam Creek

Beaverdam 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.

Beaverdam Creek FAQ

Where is Beaverdam Creek?+

Beaverdam Creek is in Gaston County, North Carolina, at 35.38639, -81.28646. Nearest road: Hephzibah Church Road.

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

Beaverdam Creek is reported to produce Cassiterite.

Is collecting allowed at Beaverdam 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 Beaverdam Creek?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Beaverdam Creek?+

Beaverdam Creek is workable year-round.

How do I get to Beaverdam Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.38639, -81.28646 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Hephzibah Church Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

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Open Beaverdam Creek on the map

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