Kingsport: Limestone Rockhounding in Sullivan County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sullivan County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Cleek Road
Postcode: 37660
Coordinates: 36.55122, -82.47641

Geology at Kingsport

This spot sits on Knox Group, including Jonesboro Limestone, Newala Formation, Mascot Dolomite, Kingsport Formation, Longview Dolomite, Chepultepec Dolomite, Copper Ridge Dolomite, Conococheague Limestone, mapped as limestone and dolostone 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 Jonesboro Limestone, Newala Formation, Mascot Dolomite, Kingsport Formation, Longview Dolomite, Chepultepec Dolomite, Copper Ridge Dolomite, Conococheague Limestone
Age: 540–445 Ma (Cambrian to Ordovician)
Rock types: limestone and dolostone
Elevation: 1,420 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 Kingsport

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 46°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, KINGSPORT station (4 mi away).

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 Kingsport

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

Limestone

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Kingsport.

Across the state line from Kingsport

Kingsport 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.

Kingsport FAQ

Where is Kingsport?+

Kingsport is in Sullivan County, Tennessee, at 36.55122, -82.47641. Nearest road: Cleek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Kingsport?+

Kingsport is reported to produce Limestone.

Is collecting allowed at Kingsport?+

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 Kingsport?+

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 Kingsport?+

Kingsport is workable year-round.

How do I get to Kingsport?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.55122, -82.47641 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cleek Road.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

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Open Kingsport on the map

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