Lamoille River: Dolomite & Chalcopyrite Rockhounding in Chittenden County, Vermont

Updated June 2026

Lamoille River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Chittenden County, Vermont. Reported finds include dolomite, chalcopyrite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Chittenden County
State: Vermont
Nearest road: U.S. Route 2
Coordinates: 44.60097, -73.20333

Geology at Lamoille River

This spot sits on Dunham Dolostone, mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 540 to 510 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: Dunham Dolostone
Age: 540–510 Ma (Early Cambrian)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 200 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 Lamoille River

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, S HERO station (5 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 Lamoille River

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 Lamoille River.

Across the state line from Lamoille River

Lamoille River is close enough to the Vermont border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Lamoille River FAQ

Where is Lamoille River?+

Lamoille River is in Chittenden County, Vermont, at 44.60097, -73.20333. Nearest road: U.S. Route 2.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Lamoille River?+

Lamoille River is reported to produce Dolomite, Chalcopyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Lamoille River?+

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 Lamoille River?+

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 Lamoille River?+

The most comfortable months at Lamoille River are April to November.

How do I get to Lamoille River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.60097, -73.20333 in Google Maps. The nearest road is U.S. Route 2.

More rockhounding in Vermont

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Open Lamoille River on the map

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