Lead Hill: Graphite Rockhounding in Essex County, New York

Updated June 2026

Lead Hill is a mapped rockhounding spot in Essex County, New York. Reported finds include graphite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Essex County
State: New York
Nearest road: NY 74
Postcode: 12883
Coordinates: 43.86991, -73.47677

Geology at Lead Hill

This spot sits on Calcitic and dolomitic marble, mapped as marble that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Calcitic and dolomitic marble
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: marble
Elevation: 1,290 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 Lead Hill

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 24°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 6°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CORNWALL station (15 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 Lead Hill

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

Graphite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Lead Hill.

Across the state line from Lead Hill

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

Lead Hill FAQ

Where is Lead Hill?+

Lead Hill is in Essex County, New York, at 43.86991, -73.47677. Nearest road: NY 74.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Lead Hill?+

Lead Hill is reported to produce Graphite.

Is collecting allowed at Lead Hill?+

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 Lead Hill?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Lead Hill?+

The most comfortable months at Lead Hill are April to October.

How do I get to Lead Hill?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.86991, -73.47677 in Google Maps. The nearest road is NY 74.

More rockhounding in New York

See all 92 New York spots →

Open Lead Hill on the map

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