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Deer Park Mine: Autunite & Feldspar Rockhounding in Mitchell County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Deer Park Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Mitchell County, North Carolina. Reported finds include autunite, feldspar, garnet, hyalite opal, mica, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Deer Park Mine in Mitchell County, North Carolina

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
Deer Park Lake Road
Postcode
28777

Geology at Deer Park Mine

This spot sits on Quartz Diorite to Granodiorite, mapped as granodiorite and quartz diorite that formed roughly 395 to 390 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit
Quartz Diorite to Granodiorite
Age
395–390 Ma (Middle Devonian)
Rock types
granodiorite and quartz diorite
Elevation
2,540 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 Deer Park Mine

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 45°F in winter to 82°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SPRUCE PINE 4 ENE 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:

Found at Deer Park Mine

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 Deer Park Mine.

Across the state line from Deer Park Mine

Deer Park Mine 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.

Deer Park Mine FAQ

Where is Deer Park Mine?+
Deer Park Mine is in Mitchell County, North Carolina, at 35.93303, -82.10500. Nearest road: Deer Park Lake Road.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Deer Park Mine?+
Deer Park Mine is reported to produce Autunite, Feldspar, Garnet, Hyalite Opal, Mica, Monazite, Thulite.
Is collecting allowed at Deer Park Mine?+
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 Deer Park Mine?+
Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.
When is the best time to visit Deer Park Mine?+
Deer Park Mine is workable year-round.
How do I get to Deer Park Mine?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 35.93303, -82.10500 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Deer Park Lake Road.

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