Bellyache Creek: Petrified Wood Rockhounding in Darlington County, South Carolina

Updated June 2026

Bellyache Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Darlington County, South Carolina. Reported finds include petrified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Darlington County
State: South Carolina
Nearest road: West Billy Farrow Highway
Postcode: 29550
Coordinates: 34.33754, -79.98407

Geology at Bellyache Creek

This spot sits on Duplin Formation, mapped as sand and clay that formed roughly 5 to 3 million years ago. Petrified wood typically travels as tough float, and worked gravels like these are exactly where weathered pieces tend to collect.

Mapped unit: Duplin Formation
Age: 5–3 Ma (Pliocene)
Rock types: sand and clay
Elevation: 190 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 Bellyache Creek

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 92°F in midsummer and 55°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 32°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HARTSVILLE 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 Bellyache Creek

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Petrified Wood Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Bellyache Creek.

Across the state line from Bellyache Creek

Bellyache Creek 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.

Bellyache Creek FAQ

Where is Bellyache Creek?+

Bellyache Creek is in Darlington County, South Carolina, at 34.33754, -79.98407. Nearest road: West Billy Farrow Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bellyache Creek?+

Bellyache Creek is reported to produce Petrified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Bellyache Creek?+

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 Bellyache Creek?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Bellyache Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Bellyache Creek are August to June.

How do I get to Bellyache Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.33754, -79.98407 in Google Maps. The nearest road is West Billy Farrow Highway.

More rockhounding in South Carolina

See all 49 South Carolina spots →

Open Bellyache Creek on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.