Bumpus Cove mining district: Anglesite & Chalcopyrite Rockhounding in Unicoi County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Bumpus Cove mining district is a mapped rockhounding spot in Unicoi County, Tennessee. Reported finds include anglesite, chalcopyrite, cerussite, hematite, galena, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Unicoi County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Bumpus Cove Road
Coordinates: 36.15185, -82.48979

Geology at Bumpus Cove mining district

This spot sits on Shady Dolomite, mapped as dolostone and limestone that formed roughly 540 to 485 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: Shady Dolomite
Age: 540–485 Ma (Cambrian)
Rock types: dolostone and limestone
Elevation: 1,800 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 Bumpus Cove mining district

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 47°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ERWIN 1 W 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 Bumpus Cove mining district

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 Bumpus Cove mining district.

Across the state line from Bumpus Cove mining district

Bumpus Cove mining district 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.

Bumpus Cove mining district FAQ

Where is Bumpus Cove mining district?+

Bumpus Cove mining district is in Unicoi County, Tennessee, at 36.15185, -82.48979. Nearest road: Bumpus Cove Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bumpus Cove mining district?+

Bumpus Cove mining district is reported to produce Anglesite, Chalcopyrite, Cerussite, Hematite, Galena, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Bumpus Cove mining district?+

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 Bumpus Cove mining district?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Bumpus Cove mining district?+

Bumpus Cove mining district is workable year-round.

How do I get to Bumpus Cove mining district?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.15185, -82.48979 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Bumpus Cove Road.

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Open Bumpus Cove mining district on the map

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