Schoharie County: Silicified Coral Rockhounding in Schoharie County, New York

Updated June 2026

Schoharie County is a mapped rockhounding spot in Schoharie County, New York. Reported finds include silicified coral. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Schoharie County
State: New York
Nearest road: Pleasant Valley Road
Postcode: 12071
Coordinates: 42.58170, -74.42472

Geology at Schoharie County

This spot sits on Panther Mountain Formation, mapped as shale, siltstone, and sandstone that formed roughly 395 to 385 million years ago. Sedimentary layers like these are where fossils are typically preserved, and fresh exposures after rain or in active cuts tend to produce best.

Mapped unit: Panther Mountain Formation
Age: 395–385 Ma (Middle Devonian)
Rock types: shale, siltstone, and sandstone
Elevation: 1,560 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 Schoharie County

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, COBLESKILL 2 ESE station (6 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 Schoharie County

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

Silicified Coral Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Schoharie County.

Across the state line from Schoharie County

Schoharie County 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.

Schoharie County FAQ

Where is Schoharie County?+

Schoharie County is in Schoharie County, New York, at 42.58170, -74.42472. Nearest road: Pleasant Valley Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Schoharie County?+

Schoharie County is reported to produce Silicified Coral.

Is collecting allowed at Schoharie County?+

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 Schoharie County?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit Schoharie County?+

The most comfortable months at Schoharie County are April to November.

How do I get to Schoharie County?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.58170, -74.42472 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Pleasant Valley Road.

More rockhounding in New York

See all 92 New York spots →

Open Schoharie County on the map

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