Valley Quarry: Copper & Epidote Rockhounding in Adams County, Pennsylvania

Updated June 2026

Valley Quarry is a mapped rockhounding spot in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Reported finds include copper, epidote, chrysocolla, chalcopyrite, chabazite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Adams County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Baltimore Pike
Postcode: 17325
Coordinates: 39.80342, -77.21259

Geology at Valley Quarry

This spot sits on Gettysburg Formation, mapped as siltstone mudstone and shale that formed roughly 250 to 200 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Gettysburg Formation
Age: 250–200 Ma (Triassic)
Rock types: siltstone mudstone and shale
Elevation: 470 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 Valley Quarry

Best months: March to December. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, EISENHOWER NHS station (1 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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Valley Quarry

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 Valley Quarry.

Across the state line from Valley Quarry

Valley Quarry is close enough to the Pennsylvania border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Valley Quarry FAQ

Where is Valley Quarry?+

Valley Quarry is in Adams County, Pennsylvania, at 39.80342, -77.21259. Nearest road: Baltimore Pike.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Valley Quarry?+

Valley Quarry is reported to produce Copper, Epidote, Chrysocolla, Chalcopyrite, Chabazite, Stilbite.

Is collecting allowed at Valley Quarry?+

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 Valley Quarry?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Valley Quarry?+

The most comfortable months at Valley Quarry are March to December.

How do I get to Valley Quarry?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.80342, -77.21259 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Baltimore Pike.

More rockhounding in Pennsylvania

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Open Valley Quarry on the map

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