Franklin: Chert & Smoky Quartz Rockhounding in Pendleton County, West Virginia

Updated June 2026

Franklin is a mapped rockhounding spot in Pendleton County, West Virginia. Reported finds include chert, smoky quartz, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Pendleton County
State: West Virginia
Nearest road: Mountaineer Drive
Coordinates: 38.65419, -79.38643

Geology at Franklin

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. Chert and agate nodules typically form inside carbonate rock like this and weather out as tough, waxy lumps in soils and creek beds.

Mapped unit: Tonoloway, Wills Creek, and Williamsport Formations
Age: 445–420 Ma (Silurian)
Rock types: limestone, shale, and sandstone
Elevation: 2,190 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 Franklin

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FRANKLIN 2 NE 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 Franklin

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 Franklin.

Across the state line from Franklin

Franklin 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.

Franklin FAQ

Where is Franklin?+

Franklin is in Pendleton County, West Virginia, at 38.65419, -79.38643. Nearest road: Mountaineer Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Franklin?+

Franklin is reported to produce Chert, Smoky Quartz, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Franklin?+

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 Franklin?+

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 Franklin?+

The most comfortable months at Franklin are February to December.

How do I get to Franklin?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.65419, -79.38643 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Mountaineer Drive.

More rockhounding in West Virginia

See all 34 West Virginia spots →

Open Franklin on the map

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