Snickers Gap: Blue Amphibole & Green Amphibole Rockhounding in Jefferson County, West Virginia

Updated July 2026

Snickers Gap is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Reported finds include blue amphibole, green amphibole, quartz, epidote. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Jefferson County
State: West Virginia
Nearest road: Mission Road
Postcode: 20177
Coordinates: 39.15890, -77.84587

Geology at Snickers Gap

This spot sits on Harpers Formation, mapped as metasiltstone that formed roughly 540 to 510 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: Harpers Formation
Age: 540–510 Ma (Early Cambrian)
Rock types: metasiltstone
Elevation: 580 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 Snickers Gap

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 44°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 26°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MT WX station (7 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.

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 Snickers 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 Snickers Gap.

Across the state line from Snickers Gap

Snickers 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.

Snickers Gap FAQ

Where is Snickers Gap?+

Snickers Gap is in Jefferson County, West Virginia, at 39.15890, -77.84587. Nearest road: Mission Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Snickers Gap?+

Snickers Gap is reported to produce Blue Amphibole, Green Amphibole, Quartz, Epidote.

Is collecting allowed at Snickers Gap?+

Permission required before collecting. Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Snickers 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 Snickers Gap?+

The most comfortable months at Snickers Gap are February to December.

How do I get to Snickers Gap?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.15890, -77.84587 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Mission Road.

More rockhounding in West Virginia

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Open Snickers Gap on the map

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