Blakely Ridge fire tower: Blue Quartz Rockhounding in Madison County, Virginia

Updated June 2026

Blakely Ridge fire tower is a mapped rockhounding spot in Madison County, Virginia. Reported finds include blue quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Madison County
State: Virginia
Nearest road: Burnt Ridge Fire Trail
Postcode: 22727
Coordinates: 38.42377, -78.33808

Geology at Blakely Ridge fire tower

This spot sits on Mylonite, Mylonite Gneiss, and Cataclastic Rocks, mapped as mylonite, gneiss, and cataclasite that formed within roughly the last 2500 million years. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit: Mylonite, Mylonite Gneiss, and Cataclastic Rocks
Age: 2500 Ma to present (Proterozoic to Phanerozoic)
Rock types: mylonite, gneiss, and cataclasite
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 Blakely Ridge fire tower

Best months: March to December. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 25°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BIG MEADOWS station (9 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 Blakely Ridge fire tower

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

Blue Quartz Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Blakely Ridge fire tower.

Across the state line from Blakely Ridge fire tower

Blakely Ridge fire tower is close enough to the Virginia border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Blakely Ridge fire tower FAQ

Where is Blakely Ridge fire tower?+

Blakely Ridge fire tower is in Madison County, Virginia, at 38.42377, -78.33808. Nearest road: Burnt Ridge Fire Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Blakely Ridge fire tower?+

Blakely Ridge fire tower is reported to produce Blue Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Blakely Ridge fire tower?+

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 Blakely Ridge fire tower?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Blakely Ridge fire tower?+

The most comfortable months at Blakely Ridge fire tower are March to December.

How do I get to Blakely Ridge fire tower?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.42377, -78.33808 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Burnt Ridge Fire Trail.

More rockhounding in Virginia

See all 93 Virginia spots →

Open Blakely Ridge fire tower on the map

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