Henderson Point: Quartz & Rutile Rockhounding in Vance County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Henderson Point is a mapped rockhounding spot in Vance County, North Carolina. Reported finds include quartz, rutile, sillimanite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Vance County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Deer Tick Lane
Coordinates: 36.54170, -78.35629

Geology at Henderson Point

This spot sits on Metamorphosed Granitic Rock, mapped as metagranite that formed roughly 720 to 495 million years ago. Granitic ground like this typically carries quartz veins and pockets, and weathered crystals tend to collect in the soils and drainages below.

Mapped unit: Metamorphosed Granitic Rock
Age: 720–495 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Middle Cambrian)
Rock types: metagranite
Elevation: 350 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 Henderson Point

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 50°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 28°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, JOHN H KERR DAM station (5 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 Henderson Point

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 Henderson Point.

Across the state line from Henderson Point

Henderson Point 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.

Henderson Point FAQ

Where is Henderson Point?+

Henderson Point is in Vance County, North Carolina, at 36.54170, -78.35629. Nearest road: Deer Tick Lane.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Henderson Point?+

Henderson Point is reported to produce Quartz, Rutile, Sillimanite.

Is collecting allowed at Henderson Point?+

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 Henderson Point?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Henderson Point?+

The most comfortable months at Henderson Point are August to June.

How do I get to Henderson Point?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.54170, -78.35629 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Deer Tick Lane.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

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Open Henderson Point on the map

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