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

Public access4 mineralsGrant County, West VirginiaUpdated June 2026
Minerals reported
4
Elevation
1,780 ft
Best months
March to November

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.

Plan your visit

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Nearest road
WV 28;WV 55
Postcode
26855
Get directionsView on Google Maps

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.

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.

Best time to visit North Fork Gap

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

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.

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.

Today's weather

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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.

Found at North Fork Gap

Each name 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.

  • IdaPage County, Virginia · 51 mi awayAzurite, Chrysolite, Cuprite
  • South Fork Shenandoah RiverRockingham County, Virginia · 52 mi awayQuartz
  • Dark HollowMadison County, Virginia · 55 mi awayCopper
  • JollettPage County, Virginia · 55 mi awayUnakite, Apatite, Chlorite
  • RivertonWarren County, Virginia · 57 mi awayCalcite, Quartz
  • Front RoyalWarren County, Virginia · 60 mi awayBiotite, Quartz, Unakite

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 41 West Virginia spots →

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