Claysburg: Chert & Quartz Rockhounding in Blair County, Pennsylvania

Updated June 2026

Claysburg is a mapped rockhounding spot in Blair County, Pennsylvania. Reported finds include chert, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Blair County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Rocky Acre Road
Postcode: 16637
Coordinates: 40.34115, -78.41926

Geology at Claysburg

This spot sits on Tuscarora Formation, mapped as quartzite that formed roughly 445 to 420 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Tuscarora Formation
Age: 445–420 Ma (Silurian)
Rock types: quartzite
Elevation: 1,840 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 Claysburg

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ALTOONA 7 SW station (5 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 Claysburg

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 Claysburg.

Across the state line from Claysburg

Claysburg 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.

Claysburg FAQ

Where is Claysburg?+

Claysburg is in Blair County, Pennsylvania, at 40.34115, -78.41926. Nearest road: Rocky Acre Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Claysburg?+

Claysburg is reported to produce Chert, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Claysburg?+

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 Claysburg?+

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 Claysburg?+

The most comfortable months at Claysburg are March to November.

How do I get to Claysburg?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.34115, -78.41926 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Rocky Acre Road.

More rockhounding in Pennsylvania

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Open Claysburg on the map

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