Little Rocky Ridge: Hematite & Quartz Rockhounding in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

Updated June 2026

Little Rocky Ridge is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Reported finds include hematite, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cumberland County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Kettle Sale Haul Road
Coordinates: 40.03350, -77.32570

Geology at Little Rocky Ridge

This spot sits on Weverton and Loudoun Formations, undivided, mapped as quartzite that formed roughly 540 to 485 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit: Weverton and Loudoun Formations, undivided
Age: 540–485 Ma (Cambrian)
Rock types: quartzite
Elevation: 1,430 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 Little Rocky Ridge

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BIGLERVILLE station (8 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 Little Rocky Ridge

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 Little Rocky Ridge.

Across the state line from Little Rocky Ridge

Little Rocky Ridge 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.

Little Rocky Ridge FAQ

Where is Little Rocky Ridge?+

Little Rocky Ridge is in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, at 40.03350, -77.32570. Nearest road: Kettle Sale Haul Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Little Rocky Ridge?+

Little Rocky Ridge is reported to produce Hematite, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Little Rocky Ridge?+

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 Little Rocky Ridge?+

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 Little Rocky Ridge?+

The most comfortable months at Little Rocky Ridge are March to November.

How do I get to Little Rocky Ridge?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.03350, -77.32570 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Kettle Sale Haul Road.

More rockhounding in Pennsylvania

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Open Little Rocky Ridge on the map

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