North Fork Gap: Calcite & Celestite Rockhounding in Grant County, West Virginia

Updated June 2026

North Fork Gap is a mapped rockhounding spot in Grant County, West Virginia. Reported finds include calcite, celestite, dolomite, travertine. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Grant County
State: West Virginia
Nearest road: WV 28;WV 55
Postcode: 26855
Coordinates: 38.98922, -79.24062

Geology at North Fork Gap

This spot sits on Tuscarora Sandstone, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 445 to 420 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: Tuscarora Sandstone
Age: 445–420 Ma (Silurian)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 1,780 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 North Fork Gap

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PETERSBURG station (6 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 North Fork 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 North Fork Gap.

Across the state line from North Fork Gap

North Fork Gap is close enough to the West Virginia border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

North Fork Gap FAQ

Where is North Fork Gap?+

North Fork Gap is in Grant County, West Virginia, at 38.98922, -79.24062. Nearest road: WV 28;WV 55.

What rocks and minerals can you find at North Fork Gap?+

North Fork Gap is reported to produce Calcite, Celestite, Dolomite, Travertine.

Is collecting allowed at North Fork 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 North Fork Gap?+

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 North Fork Gap?+

The most comfortable months at North Fork Gap are March to November.

How do I get to North Fork Gap?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.98922, -79.24062 in Google Maps. The nearest road is WV 28;WV 55.

More rockhounding in West Virginia

See all 34 West Virginia spots →

Open North Fork Gap on the map

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