South Fork Mountain: Hematite Rockhounding in Grant County, West Virginia

Updated June 2026

South Fork Mountain is a mapped rockhounding spot in Grant County, West Virginia. Reported finds include hematite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Grant County
State: West Virginia
Coordinates: 38.87398, -79.09432

Geology at South Fork Mountain

This spot sits on Tonoloway, Wills Creek, and Williamsport Formations, mapped as limestone, shale, and sandstone that formed roughly 445 to 420 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Tonoloway, Wills Creek, and Williamsport Formations
Age: 445–420 Ma (Silurian)
Rock types: limestone, shale, and sandstone
Elevation: 2,470 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 South Fork Mountain

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PETERSBURG 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 South Fork Mountain

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

Hematite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of South Fork Mountain.

Across the state line from South Fork Mountain

South Fork Mountain 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.

South Fork Mountain FAQ

Where is South Fork Mountain?+

South Fork Mountain is in Grant County, West Virginia, at 38.87398, -79.09432.

What rocks and minerals can you find at South Fork Mountain?+

South Fork Mountain is reported to produce Hematite.

Is collecting allowed at South Fork Mountain?+

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 South Fork Mountain?+

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 South Fork Mountain?+

The most comfortable months at South Fork Mountain are March to November.

How do I get to South Fork Mountain?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.87398, -79.09432 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in West Virginia

See all 34 West Virginia spots →

Open South Fork Mountain on the map

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