Hurricane Knob: Kyanite Rockhounding in Patrick County, Virginia

Updated June 2026

Hurricane Knob is a mapped rockhounding spot in Patrick County, Virginia. Reported finds include kyanite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Patrick County
State: Virginia
Nearest road: Kettle Hollow Lane
Postcode: 24120
Coordinates: 36.70751, -80.45205

Geology at Hurricane Knob

This spot sits on Alligator Back Formation - Feldspathic metagraywacke, mapped as metagraywacke that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Alligator Back Formation - Feldspathic metagraywacke
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: metagraywacke
Elevation: 3,050 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 Hurricane Knob

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MEADOWS OF DAN 5 SW 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 Hurricane Knob

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

Kyanite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Hurricane Knob.

Across the state line from Hurricane Knob

Hurricane Knob 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.

Hurricane Knob FAQ

Where is Hurricane Knob?+

Hurricane Knob is in Patrick County, Virginia, at 36.70751, -80.45205. Nearest road: Kettle Hollow Lane.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hurricane Knob?+

Hurricane Knob is reported to produce Kyanite.

Is collecting allowed at Hurricane Knob?+

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 Hurricane Knob?+

A rock hammer, a sieve, and a small shovel work well for garnet-type minerals, which concentrate as resistant grains in soils and creek gravels.

When is the best time to visit Hurricane Knob?+

The most comfortable months at Hurricane Knob are February to December.

How do I get to Hurricane Knob?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.70751, -80.45205 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Kettle Hollow Lane.

More rockhounding in Virginia

See all 93 Virginia spots →

Open Hurricane Knob on the map

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