New Creek: Calcite & Chert Rockhounding in Mineral County, West Virginia

Updated June 2026

New Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Mineral County, West Virginia. Reported finds include calcite, chert, hematite, red quartzite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Mineral County
State: West Virginia
Nearest road: US 50
Postcode: 26743
Coordinates: 39.36341, -79.00726

Geology at New Creek

This spot sits on McKenzie Formation and Clinton Group, mapped as sandstone and shale that formed roughly 445 to 420 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: McKenzie Formation and Clinton Group
Age: 445–420 Ma (Silurian)
Rock types: sandstone and shale
Elevation: 1,330 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 New Creek

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, KEYSER 2 SSW station (4 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 New Creek

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 New Creek.

Across the state line from New Creek

New Creek 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.

New Creek FAQ

Where is New Creek?+

New Creek is in Mineral County, West Virginia, at 39.36341, -79.00726. Nearest road: US 50.

What rocks and minerals can you find at New Creek?+

New Creek is reported to produce Calcite, Chert, Hematite, Red Quartzite.

Is collecting allowed at New Creek?+

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 New Creek?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit New Creek?+

The most comfortable months at New Creek are March to November.

How do I get to New Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.36341, -79.00726 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 50.

More rockhounding in West Virginia

See all 34 West Virginia spots →

Open New Creek on the map

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