Big Creek — Rockhounding in Cocke County, Tennessee
Updated July 2026
Big Creek, in the Smoky Mountain foothills near Bluffton, is one of the few Tennessee streams known for green quartz, with some water-worn crystals reaching gem quality. The color comes from mineral inclusions in quartz shed from the surrounding Precambrian metamorphic rock. The creek gravels also carry clear quartz and other resistant pebbles. Reported finds include green quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.
Big Creek photos
Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.
Map showing Big Creek in Cocke County, Tennessee
Quick details
- Access
- Public area
- County
- Cocke County
- State
- Tennessee
- Nearest road
- Joy Way
- Postcode
- 37753
- Coordinates
- 35.83903, -83.09577
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 Big Creek
Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.
- Green QuartzEncyclopedia →
Nearby rockhounding spots
Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Big Creek.
- Mine RidgeCocke County, Tennessee · 2 mi awayCopper, Iron, Lead
- Rag MountainCocke County, Tennessee · 3 mi awayUnakite
- Del RioCocke County, Tennessee · 6 mi awayUnakite
- Del RioCocke County, Tennessee · 8 mi awayBarite, Calcite, Celestite
- Nun's CoveSevier County, Tennessee · 18 mi awayCalcite, Chert, Barite
- GatlinburgSevier County, Tennessee · 25 mi awayQuartz, Gemstones
- GreenevilleGreene County, Tennessee · 27 mi awaySphalerite
- Mossy CreekJefferson County, Tennessee · 28 mi awayCalamine, Smithsonite, Sphalerite
Across the state line from Big Creek
Big Creek 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.
- Lemon GapMadison County, North Carolina · 9 mi awayAllanite
- Roaring Fork CreekMadison County, North Carolina · 9 mi awayUnakite
- Little Pine Garnet MineTop pick in North CarolinaMadison County, North Carolina · 21 mi awayGarnet, Quartz, Chlorite
- Pressley MineHaywood County, North Carolina · 24 mi awayAlbite, Amphibolite, Corundum
- Pressley MineHaywood County, North Carolina · 24 mi awayCorundum, Sapphire
- Newfound GapHaywood County, North Carolina · 26 mi awayRuby
Big Creek FAQ
Why is Big Creek one of the best rockhounding spots in Tennessee?+
Where is Big Creek?+
What rocks and minerals can you find at Big Creek?+
Is collecting allowed at Big Creek?+
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More rockhounding in Tennessee
See all 59 Tennessee spots →Open Big Creek on the map
Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.
