South Bethlehem: Jasper & Petrified Wood Rockhounding in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania

Updated June 2026

South Bethlehem is a mapped rockhounding spot in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Reported finds include jasper, petrified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Armstrong County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Kohlersburg Road
Postcode: 16242
Coordinates: 40.99882, -79.34438

Geology at South Bethlehem

This spot sits on Pottsville Formation, mapped as sandstone and conglomerate that formed roughly 325 to 300 million years ago. Sedimentary beds like these are the typical host for petrified and silicified wood, which weathers out as durable float on slopes and in washes.

Mapped unit: Pottsville Formation
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: sandstone and conglomerate
Elevation: 1,070 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 South Bethlehem

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PUTNEYVILLE 2 SE DAM station (6 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.

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

Found at South Bethlehem

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 South Bethlehem.

South Bethlehem FAQ

Where is South Bethlehem?+

South Bethlehem is in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, at 40.99882, -79.34438. Nearest road: Kohlersburg Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at South Bethlehem?+

South Bethlehem is reported to produce Jasper, Petrified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at South Bethlehem?+

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 South Bethlehem?+

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 South Bethlehem?+

The most comfortable months at South Bethlehem are March to November.

How do I get to South Bethlehem?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.99882, -79.34438 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Kohlersburg Road.

More rockhounding in Pennsylvania

See all 88 Pennsylvania spots →

Open South Bethlehem on the map

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