Traphill: Moss Agate & Jasper Rockhounding in Wilkes County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Traphill is a mapped rockhounding spot in Wilkes County, North Carolina. Reported finds include moss agate, jasper, chalcedony. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Wilkes County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Traphill Mill Road
Postcode: 28685
Coordinates: 36.33557, -81.03207

Geology at Traphill

This spot sits on Alligator Back Formation; Gneiss, mapped as gneiss that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Alligator Back Formation; Gneiss
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: gneiss
Elevation: 1,210 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 Traphill

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 51°F in winter to 90°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SPARTA 3.5 SSW station (11 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 Traphill

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 Traphill.

Across the state line from Traphill

Traphill 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.

Traphill FAQ

Where is Traphill?+

Traphill is in Wilkes County, North Carolina, at 36.33557, -81.03207. Nearest road: Traphill Mill Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Traphill?+

Traphill is reported to produce Moss Agate, Jasper, Chalcedony.

Is collecting allowed at Traphill?+

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 Traphill?+

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 Traphill?+

Traphill is workable year-round.

How do I get to Traphill?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.33557, -81.03207 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Traphill Mill Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

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Open Traphill on the map

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