Sherman Valley: Calcite & Chlorite Rockhounding in Bedford County, Pennsylvania

Updated June 2026

Sherman Valley is a mapped rockhounding spot in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Reported finds include calcite, chlorite, orthoclase, limonite, quartz, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Bedford County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Cypher Road
Postcode: 16650
Coordinates: 40.07642, -78.27322

Geology at Sherman Valley

This spot sits on Mauch Chunk Formation, mapped as shale, siltstone, and sandstone that formed roughly 360 to 325 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: Mauch Chunk Formation
Age: 360–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: shale, siltstone, and sandstone
Elevation: 1,100 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 Sherman Valley

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, EVERETT station (7 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 Sherman Valley

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 Sherman Valley.

Across the state line from Sherman Valley

Sherman Valley 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.

Sherman Valley FAQ

Where is Sherman Valley?+

Sherman Valley is in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, at 40.07642, -78.27322. Nearest road: Cypher Road.

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

Sherman Valley is reported to produce Calcite, Chlorite, Orthoclase, Limonite, Quartz, Tourmaline, Zircon.

Is collecting allowed at Sherman Valley?+

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 Sherman Valley?+

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 Sherman Valley?+

The most comfortable months at Sherman Valley are March to November.

How do I get to Sherman Valley?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.07642, -78.27322 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cypher Road.

More rockhounding in Pennsylvania

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Open Sherman Valley on the map

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