Best spot

Carlisle: Banded Agate & Quartz Rockhounding in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

Updated July 2026

The Carlisle area of Cumberland County is known for banded agate, jasper, amethyst and quartz weathering out of the local carbonate and diabase terrain. The banded agate in particular draws collectors looking for lapidary-grade material. It is one of the better-known agate localities in south-central Pennsylvania. Reported finds include banded agate, quartz, jasper, amethyst. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Carlisle photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Yellow Breeches Creek at Boiling Springs, near Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cumberland County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Shatto Drive
Postcode: 17013
Coordinates: 40.22035, -77.21537

Geology at Carlisle

This spot sits on Martinsburg Formation, mapped as shale that formed roughly 485 to 445 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: Martinsburg Formation
Age: 485–445 Ma (Ordovician)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 420 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 Carlisle

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CARLISLE WTP station (1 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 Carlisle

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 Carlisle.

Across the state line from Carlisle

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

Carlisle FAQ

Where is Carlisle?+

Carlisle is in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, at 40.22035, -77.21537. Nearest road: Shatto Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Carlisle?+

Carlisle is reported to produce Banded Agate, Quartz, Jasper, Amethyst.

Is collecting allowed at Carlisle?+

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 Carlisle?+

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 Carlisle?+

The most comfortable months at Carlisle are March to November.

How do I get to Carlisle?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.22035, -77.21537 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Shatto Drive.

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