Swanton: Red Marble & Dunham Dolomite Rockhounding in Franklin County, Vermont

Updated June 2026

Swanton is a mapped rockhounding spot in Franklin County, Vermont. Reported finds include red marble, dunham dolomite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Franklin County
State: Vermont
Nearest road: Barney Lane
Coordinates: 44.90803, -73.09636

Geology at Swanton

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: 230 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 Swanton

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 9°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ST ALBANS RADIO station (3 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 Swanton

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 Swanton.

Across the state line from Swanton

Swanton 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.

Swanton FAQ

Where is Swanton?+

Swanton is in Franklin County, Vermont, at 44.90803, -73.09636. Nearest road: Barney Lane.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Swanton?+

Swanton is reported to produce Red Marble, Dunham Dolomite.

Is collecting allowed at Swanton?+

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 Swanton?+

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 Swanton?+

The most comfortable months at Swanton are April to November.

How do I get to Swanton?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.90803, -73.09636 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Barney Lane.

More rockhounding in Vermont

See all 29 Vermont spots →

Open Swanton on the map

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