Clearwater & Herse Valley: Amethyst & Chalcedony Rockhounding in Aiken County, South Carolina

Updated June 2026

Clearwater & Herse Valley is a mapped rockhounding spot in Aiken County, South Carolina. Reported finds include amethyst, chalcedony, ilmenite, monazite, quartz, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Aiken County
State: South Carolina
Nearest road: Weeping Willow Lane
Postcode: 29851
Coordinates: 33.53836, -81.82386

Geology at Clearwater & Herse Valley

This spot sits on Black Creek/Cusseta/Blufftown Formations, mapped as sand that formed roughly 145 to 66 million years ago. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Black Creek/Cusseta/Blufftown Formations
Age: 145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Rock types: sand
Elevation: 180 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 Clearwater & Herse Valley

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 58°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 31°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GRANITEVILLE 3.9 ENE 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 Clearwater & Herse 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 Clearwater & Herse Valley.

Across the state line from Clearwater & Herse Valley

Clearwater & Herse Valley is close enough to the South Carolina border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Clearwater & Herse Valley FAQ

Where is Clearwater & Herse Valley?+

Clearwater & Herse Valley is in Aiken County, South Carolina, at 33.53836, -81.82386. Nearest road: Weeping Willow Lane.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Clearwater & Herse Valley?+

Clearwater & Herse Valley is reported to produce Amethyst, Chalcedony, Ilmenite, Monazite, Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Zircon.

Is collecting allowed at Clearwater & Herse 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 Clearwater & Herse Valley?+

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 Clearwater & Herse Valley?+

The most comfortable months at Clearwater & Herse Valley are September to June.

How do I get to Clearwater & Herse Valley?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.53836, -81.82386 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Weeping Willow Lane.

More rockhounding in South Carolina

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