Del Rio: Barite & Calcite Rockhounding in Cocke County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Del Rio is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cocke County, Tennessee. Reported finds include barite, calcite, celestite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cocke County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Dean Way
Postcode: 37727
Coordinates: 35.93673, -83.02627

Geology at Del Rio

This spot sits on Unicoi Formation, mapped as sandstone, arkose, and conglomerate that formed roughly 540 to 485 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Unicoi Formation
Age: 540–485 Ma (Cambrian)
Rock types: sandstone, arkose, and conglomerate
Elevation: 1,820 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 Del Rio

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 46°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, NEWPORT 1 NW station (10 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 Del Rio

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 Del Rio.

Across the state line from Del Rio

Del Rio 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.

Del Rio FAQ

Where is Del Rio?+

Del Rio is in Cocke County, Tennessee, at 35.93673, -83.02627. Nearest road: Dean Way.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Del Rio?+

Del Rio is reported to produce Barite, Calcite, Celestite.

Is collecting allowed at Del Rio?+

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 Del Rio?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Del Rio?+

Del Rio is workable year-round.

How do I get to Del Rio?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.93673, -83.02627 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Dean Way.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

See all 59 Tennessee spots →

Open Del Rio on the map

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