Bumpus Cove: Blue Jasper Rockhounding in Washington County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Bumpus Cove is a mapped rockhounding spot in Washington County, Tennessee. Reported finds include blue jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Washington County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Graveyard Hill Road
Postcode: 37650
Coordinates: 36.16844, -82.47499

Geology at Bumpus Cove

This spot sits on Unicoi Formation, mapped as sandstone, arkose, and conglomerate that formed roughly 540 to 485 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: Unicoi Formation
Age: 540–485 Ma (Cambrian)
Rock types: sandstone, arkose, and conglomerate
Elevation: 1,650 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

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 48°F in winter to 86°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ERWIN 1 W station (3 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

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

Blue Jasper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Bumpus Cove.

Across the state line from Bumpus Cove

Bumpus 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.

Bumpus Cove FAQ

Where is Bumpus Cove?+

Bumpus Cove is in Washington County, Tennessee, at 36.16844, -82.47499. Nearest road: Graveyard Hill Road.

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

Bumpus Cove is reported to produce Blue Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Bumpus 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 Bumpus 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 Bumpus Cove?+

Bumpus Cove is workable year-round.

How do I get to Bumpus Cove?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.16844, -82.47499 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Graveyard Hill Road.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

See all 59 Tennessee spots →

Open Bumpus Cove on the map

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