Finding geodes in Tennessee can be tough to crack without the right guidance. They can be found in various locations throughout the state, but you might wander around aimlessly without knowing where and what to look for.
However, with a little bit of help, you can discover the hidden gems that lie beneath the surface. Geodes are incredible and beautiful formations that can be found in various sizes and shapes. It’s like discovering a treasure trove of sparkling gems that have been hidden away for centuries.
Luckily, there are many great options available for geode hunters to be successful. Several public sites in Tennessee allow visitors to hunt for geodes, and many private mines offer tours and opportunities to dig for your treasures. Our suggested places provide guidance and tools to help you find the geodes, and you’ll have the chance to learn about the geological processes that formed them.
So if you’re up for some adventure and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, head to one of these locations and start exploring. Who knows what kind of incredible geodes you might uncover? It’s like hitting the jackpot!
What Are Tennessee Geodes Anyway?
Geodes are super cool rock formations that look like ordinary rocks on the outside but are hiding something pretty amazing on the inside. They are essentially hollow rocks formed over a long time, like thousands of years, and are filled with crystals that sparkle and shine. Some are even big enough to crawl inside! They come in all different shapes and sizes, from tiny ones that can fit in your pocket to huge ones that need to be lifted by a crane.
We’ve put together an article that explains what do geodes look like to assist you in finding what you’re searching for.
Geodes are found worldwide but are especially abundant in places like Tennessee. The outside of a geode can be rough or smooth, and it can be a variety of colors, like white, gray, brown, or even pink or purple. It’s like finding a treasure chest full of hidden gems!
The exceptional geology of Tennessee makes it possible to build geodes with ease.
The Types Of Geodes Found In Tennessee
Geodes are a little shy and won’t just materialize in your backyard. Don’t worry, though! Considering that these can be found anywhere on earth. The price of a geode and its attractiveness are based on what crystal the geode contains. The following geodes are located in Tennessee:
- Calcite geodes
- Crystal geodes
- Quartz geodes
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice geode enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Places To Find Geodes in Tennessee
We’ll start by listing some of our top spots in the state for geode hunting. Only a few amazing places to mine for gems in Tennessee can be appropriate for what we’re looking for. Even while some of these locations may not be well-known, they usually offer top choices when we’re looking.
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Cannon County
Cannon County is a little slice of heaven located in the heart of Tennessee. It’s got a rich history and unique geography that makes it a great place to explore. The county is situated on the Cumberland Plateau, a big ol’ rock formation that runs through the state’s middle. The terrain is hilly and rocky, with many little streams and creeks running through it. You’ll see lots of big boulders and rock outcroppings, which make it a great place to hunt for geodes!
Speaking of geodes, Cannon County is known for its incredible geology. It’s home to the famous “Cannon County Concretions,” which are these awesome rock formations that look like giant eggs. They have formed millions of years ago when a shallow sea covered the area, and they make for some pretty epic photo ops. Geography-wise, Cannon County is pretty diverse. There are rolling hills, thick forests, and wide-open fields.
Ensure you’ve read up on the most recent collecting guidelines from the State of Tennessee before bringing anything home.
Where we found geodes in Cannon County
Even though geodes can be found throughout the county, we’ve discovered the following sites to be excellent:
- Road cuts, quarries, cliffs, bluffs, plowed fields, and gravels
- In Woodbury area
The tools every geode hunter will need
When you're out looking for geodes having the right tools for the job is very important. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced geode hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The geode-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southeastern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
Dale Hollow Reservoir
Dale Hollow Reservoir is a fantastic place for anyone who loves water sports, fishing, or just soaking up the beautiful scenery. It’s located in the rolling hills of northern Tennessee and covers more than 27,000 acres of surface area. The reservoir is surrounded by rugged terrain, with cliffs and many big rocks. It’s like something out of a postcard!
The geology of Dale Hollow Reservoir is pretty fascinating. In fact, it makes the reservoir a great site to find Tennessee crystals. The area was once home to a series of waterfalls and rapids, which created a unique landscape over time. Geography-wise, Dale Hollow Reservoir is situated in a pretty remote area. The area has several campgrounds and hiking trails so that you can make a day of it. It’s a great place to escape it all and enjoy peace and quiet. So if you’re looking for a beautiful spot to relax and have fun, head over to Dale Hollow Reservoir!
Where we found geodes in Dale Hollow Reservoir
Geodes can be found in and around the Dale Hollow Reservoir in Tennessee. The reservoir is located in a region rich in geodes, and they can often be found in the surrounding hills and along the shoreline. The best places to look for geodes are in areas with exposed rock formations or in dry creek beds where they may have been washed downstream.
Fentress County
Fentress County is a hidden gem located in the heart of Tennessee. It’s a beautiful area full of rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers. The county is situated on the Cumberland Plateau, which means it’s got some pretty amazing geology. There are lots of rock formations, caves, and even some waterfalls. It’s like something out of a fairy tale!
The terrain of Fentress County is pretty diverse. There are many little valleys and ridges, and several rivers and streams crisscross the area. Geography-wise, Fentress County is located in a pretty remote area. It’s a great place to escape it all and enjoy peace and quiet. Whether you’re looking for a little adventure or a peaceful getaway, Fentress County has something for everyone.
Where we found geodes in Fentress County
There are geodes almost everywhere in the county. However, there are a few places you ought to check out first:
- In Mississippian limestone exposures and quarries
- North side of Boles Creek in the Boatland area
- Area quarries in Buffalo Cove and Carpenter’s Hollow in Jamestown
Overton County
Overton County is a wonderful place to explore for anyone who loves the outdoors. The county is in the rolling hills of Tennessee, full of beautiful scenery and interesting geology. The area is situated on the Cumberland Plateau, meaning many unique rock formations and caves exist to explore. It’s like something out of a dream!
The terrain of Overton County is pretty diverse. There are many hills and valleys, and several rivers and streams crisscross the area. Geography-wise, Overton County is located in a pretty remote area. It’s a great place to escape and enjoy peace and quiet. Whether you’re looking for a little adventure or a peaceful getaway, Overton County has something for everyone. So come on down and see what all the fuss is about!
Where we found geodes in Overton County
- In Mississippian limestone exposures and quarries.
- Allons area, west of SR-52
- Monroe area, 0.75-mile southeast, on the northeast slope of Pilot Knob
- Livingston area, NW 4 mi., near Allons and W of Rte. 52, a quarry
Warren County
Warren County is a fantastic place for anyone who loves the great outdoors. It has some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. The area is situated on the Cumberland Plateau, meaning many interesting rock formations and caves exist to explore. It’s like something out of a storybook!
The terrain of Warren County is pretty diverse. There are lots of hills and valleys, and several rivers and streams crisscross the area. Geography-wise, the county is located in a pretty remote area. It’s a great place to escape it all and enjoy peace and quiet. Warren County offers something for everyone, whether seeking a little adventure or a quiet retreat.
Where we found geodes in Warren County
- In Mississippian limestone exposures and quarries.
- West side of Ben Lomond Mountain
Other Great Places To Dig For Tennessee Geodes
After stating our favorites, we want to be more helpful to you, so we’ll share the other locations we’ve discovered. Before moving on to more general locations, we’ll recommend places we’ve found at each county.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Cannon | County wide |
| Cannon | In gravels, cliffs, and bluffs, road cuts, plowed fields, and quarries |
| Cannon | Woodbury area |
| Clay | Dale Lake Reservoir area |
| Fentress | In Mississippian limestone exposures and quarries |
| Fentress | North side of Boles Creek in the Boatland area |
| Fentress | Jamestown area, area quarries in Buffalo Cove and Carpenter’s Hollow |
| Greene | Area of Mosheim, junction of US 11E and road into town, north 2.7 miles to exposure of the Mosheim anticline |
| Hamblen | Road cuts, gravels, and pits in Russelville |
| Lawrence | Road cuts, excavations, cut banks, etc in Lawrenceburg |
| Overton | In Mississippian limestone exposures and quarries |
| Overton | West of SR-52 in Allons area |
| Overton | 0.7 miles to the southeast, on Pilot Knob’s northeastern slope in Monroe area |
| Overton | A quarry in Livingston area, 4 miles northwest close to Allons and on route 53 |
| Warren | In Mississippian limestone exposures and quarries |
| Warren | West side of Ben Lomond Mountain |
Additional areas you should try
We want to assist you in your search because Tennessee has a big geode hunting territory. You should go to the following significant areas where geodes are regularly found:
Fresh rock exposures
Fresh rock exposures, or places where rocks have been recently exposed due to erosion, are some of the best locations to find geodes for collectors. These areas are ideal because they haven’t been picked over by other collectors yet, so you have a better chance of finding something truly special. Fresh rock exposures can be found in various locations, like along creek banks, in road cuts, and on the sides of cliffs.
Another reason fresh rock exposures are great locations for finding geodes is because they allow you to see what’s underneath the surface. Geodes are often formed when minerals seep into hollow cavities in rocks, so if you can see a fresh rock face, you might be able to spot an area that looks like it could contain a geode.
Quarries
Quarries are fantastic locations for collectors to find geodes. These sites are often rich in minerals and are specifically designed to extract rock from the earth. They offer a unique opportunity to see the layers of rock that geodes are often found in, making it easier to locate the hollow pockets that contain these amazing formations. Plus, quarries are typically off-limits to the public, which means they haven’t been picked over like other more accessible locations.
Another reason quarries are great locations to find geodes is that they often have specialized tools and equipment to help collectors extract them from the rock. These tools can make the process easier and less dangerous, which is important when dealing with heavy equipment and large rocks.
Road cuts
Road cuts are awesome locations for collectors to find geodes. These cuts are made when roads are built and offer a rare glimpse into the layers of rock that make up the Earth’s surface. The rock layers exposed in road cuts often contain cavities that can be home to some of the most beautiful and unique geodes. Plus, road cuts are often in public areas, making them accessible to anyone looking for geodes.
One of the great things about road cuts is that they are constantly changing. As the earth erodes and shifts, new rock layers are exposed, giving collectors a new opportunity to find something special. Additionally, road cuts are often found in areas with a lot of geological activity, like volcanic or seismic activity, which can lead to unique and interesting geodes.
Streams and creeks
Streams and creeks are fantastic locations for collectors to find geodes. The constant flow of water erodes the surrounding rock, often exposing hollow cavities that can be filled with stunning crystals and minerals. Also, geodes can be found in the sediment washed downstream, making these areas a hotbed for geode hunters. Streams and creeks are often found in public areas, making them accessible to anyone looking for geodes.
One of the best things about searching for geodes in streams and creeks is that it’s often family-friendly. Kids love wading through the water and searching for geodes, and it’s a great way to get out of the house and into nature. Of course, finding geodes in streams and creeks requires some skill and patience. You’ll need to know what to look for and where to look, and you’ll need to be willing to get a little bit wet and muddy. But if you’re up for the challenge, hunting for geodes in streams and creeks can be a truly rewarding experience.
Common Geode-Hunting Questions
It’s crucial to respond to frequently asked questions about geodes from Tennessee, such as the ones listed below:
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Tennessee
Amethyst geodes can be purchased in many Tennessee rock shops even though they’re not naturally found in the state. You can also keep an eye out for vendors selling amethyst geodes at rock shows.
Is it illegal to collect geodes in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, collecting geodes is permitted as long as you abide by local restrictions. If you’re on public property, be sure you abide by all applicable local laws. Make sure you also have permission to collect when you’re on private property.
The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Tennessee
Finding geodes outside for hours on end is not for everyone. Sometimes all you need is to display them in your workstation or add to your collection.
Here are a few more places to get gorgeous geodes from our favorite local rock shops.
- Cosmic Connections – 2117 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, United States
- Amazon – We found that Amazon has a wide collection of geodes. For those who would prefer to do it themselves, there are even complete kits that include geodes to break apart.
- Old Smoky Gem Mine – 968 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
- Stone Harmony – 101 E Main St Suite 101, Gallatin, TN 37066, United States
- Stonekeepers – 215 Robert Rose Dr e, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, United States
- Stones of Spirit – 6712 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, United States
Additional places to find geodes in nearby states
Check out our guides for nearby states if you’ve already tried all of our suggestions above or if you’re planning a trip outside of the state:
- Geodes in Alabama
- Geodes in Arkansas
- Geodes in Georgia
- Geodes in Kentucky
- Geodes in Mississippi
- Geodes in Missouri
- Geodes in North Carolina
- Geodes in Virginia
If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!
