Judy Gap: Calcite & Dolomite Rockhounding in Pendleton County, West Virginia

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Pendleton County
State: West Virginia
Nearest road: Mount Freedom Drive
Postcode: 26804
Coordinates: 38.70626, -79.46587

Geology at Judy Gap

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: 1,910 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 Judy Gap

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FRANKLIN 2 NE station (9 mi away).

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 Judy 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 Judy Gap.

Across the state line from Judy Gap

Judy 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.

Judy Gap FAQ

Where is Judy Gap?+

Judy Gap is in Pendleton County, West Virginia, at 38.70626, -79.46587. Nearest road: Mount Freedom Drive.

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

Judy Gap is reported to produce Calcite, Dolomite, Smoky Quartz, Travertine.

Is collecting allowed at Judy 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 Judy 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 Judy Gap?+

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

How do I get to Judy Gap?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.70626, -79.46587 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Mount Freedom Drive.

More rockhounding in West Virginia

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Open Judy Gap on the map

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