Gilmanton: Jasper Rockhounding in Belknap County, New Hampshire

Updated June 2026

Gilmanton is a mapped rockhounding spot in Belknap County, New Hampshire. Reported finds include jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Belknap County
State: New Hampshire
Nearest road: Meadow Pond Road
Postcode: 03236
Coordinates: 43.41712, -71.41283

Geology at Gilmanton

This spot sits on Upper part of Rangeley Formation, mapped as pelitic schist and metasandstone that formed roughly 445 to 435 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Upper part of Rangeley Formation
Age: 445–435 Ma (Llandovery)
Rock types: pelitic schist and metasandstone
Elevation: 990 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 Gilmanton

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LAKEPORT 2 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 Gilmanton

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

Jasper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Gilmanton.

Across the state line from Gilmanton

Gilmanton is close enough to the New Hampshire border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Gilmanton FAQ

Where is Gilmanton?+

Gilmanton is in Belknap County, New Hampshire, at 43.41712, -71.41283. Nearest road: Meadow Pond Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Gilmanton?+

Gilmanton is reported to produce Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Gilmanton?+

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 Gilmanton?+

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 Gilmanton?+

The most comfortable months at Gilmanton are April to November.

How do I get to Gilmanton?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.41712, -71.41283 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Meadow Pond Road.

More rockhounding in New Hampshire

See all 43 New Hampshire spots →

Open Gilmanton on the map

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