Townsend: Epidote Rockhounding in Blount County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Townsend is a mapped rockhounding spot in Blount County, Tennessee. Reported finds include epidote. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Blount County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Fox Hollow Road
Postcode: 37882
Coordinates: 35.66618, -83.75186

Geology at Townsend

This spot sits on ground mapped as Jonesboro Limestone that formed roughly 485 to 470 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Jonesboro Limestone
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Elevation: 1,460 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 Townsend

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 49°F in winter to 83°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TOWNSEND 5S 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 Townsend

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

Epidote Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Townsend.

Across the state line from Townsend

Townsend is close enough to the Tennessee border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Townsend FAQ

Where is Townsend?+

Townsend is in Blount County, Tennessee, at 35.66618, -83.75186. Nearest road: Fox Hollow Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Townsend?+

Townsend is reported to produce Epidote.

Is collecting allowed at Townsend?+

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 Townsend?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Townsend?+

Townsend is workable year-round.

How do I get to Townsend?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.66618, -83.75186 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Fox Hollow Road.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

See all 59 Tennessee spots →

Open Townsend on the map

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