Best spot

Morrison Cove: Quartz & Amethyst Rockhounding in Bedford County, Pennsylvania

Updated July 2026

Morrison Cove in Bedford County is a carbonate valley known for pockets of amethyst, clear and smoky quartz, and calcite in the surrounding folded Appalachian ridges. The area produces quartz crystals of surprising quality for central Pennsylvania. It is a standout collecting district in the ridge-and-valley belt. Reported finds include quartz, amethyst, calcite, herkimer diamond. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Morrison Cove photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

View across Morrison Cove from Brumbaugh Road, Bedford County, Pennsylvania

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Bedford County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Sportsmens Access Road
Postcode: 16614
Coordinates: 40.24370, -78.38524

Geology at Morrison Cove

This spot sits on Gatesburg Formation, mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 540 to 485 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Gatesburg Formation
Age: 540–485 Ma (Cambrian)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 1,420 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 Morrison Cove

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ALTOONA BLAIR CO AP 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.

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

Found at Morrison Cove

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 Morrison Cove.

Across the state line from Morrison Cove

Morrison Cove 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.

Morrison Cove FAQ

Where is Morrison Cove?+

Morrison Cove is in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, at 40.24370, -78.38524. Nearest road: Sportsmens Access Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Morrison Cove?+

Morrison Cove is reported to produce Quartz, Amethyst, Calcite, Herkimer Diamond.

Is collecting allowed at Morrison Cove?+

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 Morrison Cove?+

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 Morrison Cove?+

The most comfortable months at Morrison Cove are March to November.

How do I get to Morrison Cove?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.24370, -78.38524 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Sportsmens Access Road.

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