Winston-Salem: Halloysite & Hematite Rockhounding in Forsyth County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Winston-Salem is a mapped rockhounding spot in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Reported finds include halloysite, hematite, magnetite, garnet. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Forsyth County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Waughtown Connector Greenway
Postcode: 27110
Coordinates: 36.08202, -80.20426

Geology at Winston-Salem

This spot sits on Biotite Gneiss and Schist, mapped as biotite gneiss, mica schist, and calc silicate rock that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this is where garnet, staurolite, and kyanite typically grow as the rock recrystallizes under heat and pressure.

Mapped unit: Biotite Gneiss and Schist
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: biotite gneiss, mica schist, and calc silicate rock
Elevation: 810 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 Winston-Salem

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 49°F in winter to 89°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WINSTON SALEM REYNOLDS AP 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

North Carolina Geological Survey
Nantahala/Pisgah National Forests
Emerald Hollow Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Winston-Salem

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 Winston-Salem.

Across the state line from Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is close enough to the North Carolina border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Winston-Salem FAQ

Where is Winston-Salem?+

Winston-Salem is in Forsyth County, North Carolina, at 36.08202, -80.20426. Nearest road: Waughtown Connector Greenway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Winston-Salem?+

Winston-Salem is reported to produce Halloysite, Hematite, Magnetite, Garnet.

Is collecting allowed at Winston-Salem?+

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 Winston-Salem?+

A rock hammer, a sieve, and a small shovel work well for garnet-type minerals, which concentrate as resistant grains in soils and creek gravels.

When is the best time to visit Winston-Salem?+

Winston-Salem is workable year-round.

How do I get to Winston-Salem?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.08202, -80.20426 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Waughtown Connector Greenway.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

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Open Winston-Salem on the map

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