Tye River Gap: Epidote & Unakite Rockhounding in Rockbridge County, Virginia

Updated June 2026

Tye River Gap is a mapped rockhounding spot in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Reported finds include epidote, unakite, beryl, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Rockbridge County
State: Virginia
Nearest road: Tye River Turnpike
Coordinates: 37.88689, -79.15646

Geology at Tye River Gap

This spot sits on Megacrystic Charnockite, mapped as charnockite that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Quartz crystals typically weather out of veins and pockets and end up in nearby soils and creek beds.

Mapped unit: Megacrystic Charnockite
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: charnockite
Elevation: 3,000 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 Tye River Gap

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MONTEBELLO FISH CULTURAL STN 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 Tye River Gap

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 Tye River Gap.

Across the state line from Tye River Gap

Tye River Gap 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.

Tye River Gap FAQ

Where is Tye River Gap?+

Tye River Gap is in Rockbridge County, Virginia, at 37.88689, -79.15646. Nearest road: Tye River Turnpike.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Tye River Gap?+

Tye River Gap is reported to produce Epidote, Unakite, Beryl, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Tye River Gap?+

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 Tye River Gap?+

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 Tye River Gap?+

The most comfortable months at Tye River Gap are March to November.

How do I get to Tye River Gap?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.88689, -79.15646 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Tye River Turnpike.

More rockhounding in Virginia

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Open Tye River Gap on the map

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