Black Ankle Mine: Gold Prospecting in Montgomery County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Black Ankle Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Montgomery County, North Carolina. Reported finds include gold. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Montgomery County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Williamson Road
Postcode: 27356
Coordinates: 35.49142, -79.81042

Geology at Black Ankle Mine

This spot sits on Uwharrie Formation; Felsic Metavolcanic Rock, mapped as metadacite, metarhyolite, and metavolcanic that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Gold in volcanic terrain like this is usually tied to old vein systems and the gravels that drain them, so nearby washes tend to carry the color.

Mapped unit: Uwharrie Formation; Felsic Metavolcanic Rock
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: metadacite, metarhyolite, and metavolcanic
Elevation: 640 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 Black Ankle Mine

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 51°F in winter to 89°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ASHEBORO 2 W station (15 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 Black Ankle Mine

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

Gold Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Black Ankle Mine.

Across the state line from Black Ankle Mine

Black Ankle 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.

Black Ankle Mine FAQ

Where is Black Ankle Mine?+

Black Ankle Mine is in Montgomery County, North Carolina, at 35.49142, -79.81042. Nearest road: Williamson Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Black Ankle Mine?+

Black Ankle Mine is reported to produce Gold.

Is collecting allowed at Black Ankle 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 Black Ankle Mine?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Black Ankle Mine?+

Black Ankle Mine is workable year-round.

How do I get to Black Ankle Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.49142, -79.81042 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Williamson Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

See all 198 North Carolina spots →

Open Black Ankle Mine on the map

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