Missionary Ridge: Bauxite Rockhounding in Hamilton County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Missionary Ridge is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Reported finds include bauxite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hamilton County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Line Street
Postcode: 37404
Coordinates: 35.03905, -85.25103

Geology at Missionary Ridge

This spot sits on Knox Group, including Newala Formation, Mascot Dolomite, Kingsport Formation, Longview Dolomite, Chepultepec Dolomite, and Copper Ridge Dolomite, mapped as dolostone and limestone that formed roughly 540 to 445 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: Knox Group, including Newala Formation, Mascot Dolomite, Kingsport Formation, Longview Dolomite, Chepultepec Dolomite, and Copper Ridge Dolomite
Age: 540–445 Ma (Cambrian to Ordovician)
Rock types: dolostone and limestone
Elevation: 910 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 Missionary Ridge

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 50°F in winter to 90°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CHATTANOOGA AP station (3 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 Missionary Ridge

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

Bauxite

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Missionary Ridge.

Across the state line from Missionary Ridge

Missionary Ridge 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.

Missionary Ridge FAQ

Where is Missionary Ridge?+

Missionary Ridge is in Hamilton County, Tennessee, at 35.03905, -85.25103. Nearest road: Line Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Missionary Ridge?+

Missionary Ridge is reported to produce Bauxite.

Is collecting allowed at Missionary Ridge?+

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 Missionary Ridge?+

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 Missionary Ridge?+

Missionary Ridge is workable year-round.

How do I get to Missionary Ridge?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.03905, -85.25103 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Line Street.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

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Open Missionary Ridge on the map

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