RockHoundR
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Ellberle: Petrified Wood Rockhounding in Richmond County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Ellberle is a mapped rockhounding spot in Richmond County, North Carolina. Reported finds include petrified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Ellberle in Richmond County, North Carolina

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
NC 73

Geology at Ellberle

This spot sits on Metamudstone and Meta-Argillite, mapped as slate and argillite 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
Metamudstone and Meta-Argillite
Age
1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types
slate and argillite
Elevation
420 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 Ellberle

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 53°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 34°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, JACKSON SPRINGS 5 WNW station (8 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 Ellberle

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 Ellberle.

Across the state line from Ellberle

Ellberle 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.

Ellberle FAQ

Where is Ellberle?+
Ellberle is in Richmond County, North Carolina, at 35.09634, -79.76974. Nearest road: NC 73.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Ellberle?+
Ellberle is reported to produce Petrified Wood.
Is collecting allowed at Ellberle?+
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 Ellberle?+
A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.
When is the best time to visit Ellberle?+
The most comfortable months at Ellberle are August to June.
How do I get to Ellberle?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 35.09634, -79.76974 in Google Maps. The nearest road is NC 73.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

See all 198 North Carolina spots →

Open Ellberle on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play