Nun's Cove: Calcite & Chert Rockhounding in Sevier County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Nun's Cove is a mapped rockhounding spot in Sevier County, Tennessee. Reported finds include calcite, chert, barite, sphalerite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sevier County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Sharp Road
Postcode: 37876
Coordinates: 35.87217, -83.41559

Geology at Nun's Cove

This spot sits on ground mapped as Knox Group that formed roughly 495 to 470 million years ago. Tough silica like agate and jasper typically survives weathering and collects as float in drainages and gravel.

Mapped unit: Knox Group
Age: 495–470 Ma (Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician)
Elevation: 1,160 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 Nun's Cove

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 48°F in winter to 89°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SEVIERVILLE station (11 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 Nun's Cove

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 Nun's Cove.

Across the state line from Nun's Cove

Nun's Cove 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.

Nun's Cove FAQ

Where is Nun's Cove?+

Nun's Cove is in Sevier County, Tennessee, at 35.87217, -83.41559. Nearest road: Sharp Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Nun's Cove?+

Nun's Cove is reported to produce Calcite, Chert, Barite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Nun's Cove?+

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 Nun's Cove?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Nun's Cove?+

Nun's Cove is workable year-round.

How do I get to Nun's Cove?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.87217, -83.41559 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Sharp Road.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

See all 59 Tennessee spots →

Open Nun's Cove on the map

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