Exploring the state’s rugged terrain offers a unique opportunity to discover petrified wood, a fossilized treasure from ancient forests. With the right tips, you’ll be ready to embark on your own adventure and uncover these fascinating remnants of prehistoric life.

Knowing where to look and what to expect will increase your chances of spotting these remarkable pieces scattered across this great state’s terrain!

Petrified wood you can find in the US

In the United States, several types of petrified wood can be found, each with unique characteristics based on the original tree species and the minerals involved in the fossilization process. Here are some of the types you’ll be able to find.

Araucarioxylon

Found in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, this is one of the most famous types of petrified wood. It comes from an extinct species of conifer. As Arizona’s state fossil, Araucarioxylon holds a special place in the state’s natural history.

These trees once formed vast forests during the Late Triassic period, about 225 million years ago. The vibrant colors in this petrified wood come from minerals that replaced the original tree material over time.

Metasequoia

Often referred to as dawn redwood, this type of petrified wood can be found in various parts of the U.S., including the Pacific Northwest. Metasequoia was once thought to be extinct until living trees were later discovered in China.

Furthermore, its fine grain and reddish-brown color are characteristic features.

Palmoxylon

This petrified wood originates from palm trees and is often found in the Gulf Coast states like Texas and Louisiana. Recognized as the state stone of Texas, Palmoxylon is abundant and holds cultural significance.

The wood’s unique speckled or dotted pattern comes from the vascular bundles of the original palm tree. These fossils date back to the Cretaceous period, when the area was tropical and teeming with life.

Taxodium

Also known as bald cypress, this petrified wood can be found in the southeastern U.S., particularly in areas that were once swampy. Taxodium wood is often found in places that were ancient swamps, where these trees thrived millions of years ago.

The wood is durable and shows intricate grain patterns, with growth rings and knotholes that tell the story of its long history. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the wet environments that once dominated the Southeast.

Sequoioxylon

Petrified wood from ancient sequoia trees, found in places like California, where sequoia forests once thrived. These trees are the ancestors of the giant sequoias that still stand in California today.

The petrified wood is notable for its large, straight grain and reddish color, reflecting the immense size and age of the original trees.

Ginkgoxylon

Petrified wood from ancient ginkgo trees, which can sometimes be found in states like Oregon and Washington. Ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species on Earth, with fossils dating back over 200 million years.

Ginkgo petrified wood often has a light color and may show patterns similar to the fan-shaped leaves of the living ginkgo.

Dicotyledonous Wood

Found across various states, this type of petrified wood comes from broadleaf trees, making it more common and varied in appearance. You can spot dicotyledonous wood by the distinct vessels and growth rings that indicate seasonal changes.

This type of petrified wood is often found in regions that were once temperate forests, offering clues about the diverse plant life that existed millions of years ago.

Piceoxylon

Petrified wood from ancient spruce trees, commonly found in areas like Wyoming and Montana, where coniferous forests once thrived. Piceoxylon is known for its straight grain and pale color, often showing growth rings that tell the tree’s life story.

These trees were part of the ancient boreal forests that covered large parts of North America during cooler periods.

A Quick Request About Collecting

What Rough Petrified Wood Looks Like

Most of the photos you find of petrified wood are pieces that have been cut and polished. That is certainly useful but isn’t super helpful once you are out in the field. This is what you should look out for once you start hunting:

Exteriors like this

Every type of petrified wood has a different exterior and pattern but this is a good starting point on what to look for.

Texture and grain patterns

One of the most distinctive features to look for is the texture and grain patterns. Petrified wood often retains the original structure of the tree, including the grain, knots, and even growth rings. These patterns can appear similar to modern wood but are typically more rigid and fossilized.

Examine the surface for any linear patterns or striations that indicate the original wood grain. The texture may feel smoother or more polished in certain areas where mineralization has created a glassy effect.

Coloration and mineralization

The color of petrified wood can vary significantly due to the minerals that replaced the organic material during the fossilization process. Common colors include shades of brown, red, yellow, orange, and black.

Some pieces might even exhibit multiple colors in intricate patterns. These colors are often more vivid and diverse than those found in regular rocks. When inspecting potential petrified wood, look for these distinct and varied hues, which can indicate the presence of different minerals such as silica, iron, manganese, and others that contributed to the petrification process.

Bark and exterior features

Another telltale sign of petrified wood is the presence of bark impressions or external textures that resemble tree bark. These features are often well-preserved and can include the rough, fibrous texture of bark, knots, or other surface irregularities typical of natural wood.

The exterior of rough petrified wood may also have a weathered appearance, with cracks and fractures that occurred as the wood fossilized over millions of years. Look closely for these natural wood features, as they can be a strong indicator that you have found a piece of petrified wood.

Weight and density

Petrified wood is typically much heavier and denser than regular wood due to the mineralization process. When rockhounding, pick up the specimen to feel its weight. Even small pieces of petrified wood will feel significantly heavier than an equivalent-sized piece of non-fossilized wood.

This increased density is due to the replacement of organic material with minerals, making petrified wood feel more like a rock than wood. Comparing the weight and density of your find with known samples of petrified wood can help confirm its authenticity.

General Areas To Try First

Before we get into the specific places you should be looking we wanted to give you some more general advice. Once you get to your hunting area you should head straight for these areas if you want to have the best results:

Lakeshores

Lakeshores are like natural garbage cans because all things wash up and get left there over time. That includes wood that has turned to stone. As the water rises and falls, it carries sediment and rocks. It also takes the fossilized remains of trees from long ago.

Most lakeshores have a variety of rocks and minerals, which makes them an excellent place for petrified wood to grow and thrive. You’ll find a nice mix of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, the best sites for preserving wood fossils.

Roadcuts

When building roads, parts of the ground are often cut away to make a smooth path. The magic happens when the road cuts through layers of rock and soil. Petrified wood is often buried deep underground, and roadcuts let us see these underground wonders.

As workers blast through the rock layers, they accidentally find petrified wood that has been there for hundreds of years. Petrified wood is easy for collectors to spot because the exposed rock layers of roadcuts make it easy to see its unique patterns and colors.

Streams and creeks

Streams and creeks can move loose sediment away, which can reveal old wood that has turned to stone. As the water moves around, it exposes small pieces or even more significant amounts of petrified wood that have settled on the streambed.

Streams and creeks are more accessible for collectors because they are not as big. You can easily walk along their banks, jump from rock to rock, and look for petrified wood at the water’s edge.

River beds

Riverbeds are excellent for finding petrified wood due to their unique geological and environmental conditions. Rapid burial by sediments like sand, silt, and mud protects fallen trees from decay, initiating the fossilization process.

Mineral-rich waters flowing through rivers facilitate the replacement of organic material with minerals such as silica, turning wood into stone. Over time, erosion exposes these buried treasures, making them accessible for discovery.

This dynamic environment, with constant sediment deposition and mineral infiltration, creates ideal conditions for the formation and eventual exposure of petrified wood.

The tools every petrified wood hunter will need

When you're out looking for petrified wood having the right tools for the job is really going to make or break your success. 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 petrified wood 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 petrified wood-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 

Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Southwestern 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.

The Best Places To Find Petrified Wood In Tennessee

Rockhounding in Tennessee is like opening a time capsule filled with ancient treasures! One of the most sought-after finds is petrified wood, which tells tales of long-gone forests.

Tennessee’s diverse landscapes hide these stone remnants, waiting for keen-eyed explorers. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the top spots to find this unique fossilized wood in the Volunteer State!

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a vibrant town nestled in the heart of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. This scenic spot is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, offering a mix of natural beauty and fun-filled attractions.

Geologically, Pigeon Forge sits in a valley carved out by ancient rivers, with the region boasting a rich tapestry of sedimentary rocks like limestone and shale.

The terrain here is a mix of flatlands dotted with businesses and attractions, and hilly areas that gradually rise to the nearby mountain ranges.

These hills and valleys not only provide breathtaking views but also hint at the geological forces that shaped them over millennia.

Pigeon Forge is well-connected by road, especially with the U.S. Route 441 running right through the heart of the town.

This main highway makes it easy for visitors from all directions to reach Pigeon Forge and dive into its mix of natural wonders and entertainment offerings.

Where we found petrified wood in Pigeon Forge

If you’re curious about where to find petrified wood, Pigeon Forge is a great place to look. Its riverbanks and creeks are treasure troves for rockhounds! As water flows, it often uncovers hidden gems like petrified wood.

The constant movement of water can wash away softer soil and rocks, revealing these ancient wooden treasures.

Places where streams twist and turn or where they widen can be especially promising. When searching, look for pieces that have a distinct wooden texture but are hard as stone.

Remember to respect nature and private property, and always ensure you have permission to collect. You can check the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for any rules and guidelines you might have to follow.

Tennessee River Museum

The Tennessee River Museum is a gem nestled in the heart of Savannah, Tennessee. This museum stands as a testament to the rich history and geology of the region, capturing the essence of the mighty Tennessee River’s past and present.

Streets lined with charming shops and restaurants lead the way to the museum’s doors. The terrain around the museum is mainly flat, making it easy for visitors of all ages to navigate.

The museum showcases the story of the Tennessee River Valley, from ancient sea beds to the shaping of the land by water over time.

With fascinating displays, visitors can witness the tale of the rocks, minerals, and fossils that belong to this region.

Located downtown, the museum is easily accessible by car with ample parking nearby. For those using public transport, bus routes frequently stop close by.

Where we found petrified wood at the Tennessee River Museum

One of the Tennessee River Museum’s standout displays features two impressive petrified logs. The Museum is right on Main Street. Once you’re there, turn into Adams Street and head to the right side of the museum.

There, you’ll see a porch. The museum keeps two large Tennessee petrified wood logs there, where they can easily be seen if you happen to pass by.

LaFollette

LaFollette is a charming town nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Tennessee. It’s part of Campbell County and is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Cumberland Mountains.

The town’s landscape is characterized by lush valleys, steep ridges, and an abundance of natural resources, making it a haven for rockhounds and nature enthusiasts.

Geologically, LaFollette sits atop layers of sedimentary rock, like limestone and shale, formed from ancient seas that once covered the area. This geological history also means there are fossil-rich areas waiting to be explored.

Getting to LaFollette is a breeze, thanks to its connectivity via highways and its proximity to larger cities like Knoxville.

Whether you’re on a hunt for unique rocks or just soaking in the serene views, LaFollette offers a perfect blend of nature and history.

Where we found petrified wood in LaFollette

One of the best spots to search is along the banks and beds of local creeks and streams. Over time, water flow uncovers and transports petrified wood pieces, leaving them in these areas.

Mississippi River

The mighty Mississippi River, one of America’s most iconic waterways, flows beautifully through Tennessee. This river has carved its path for millions of years, shaping the landscape and playing a vital role in Tennessee’s history and economy.

The terrain around the Mississippi in this state is mainly flat floodplains, making it a crucial habitat for many plants and animals. The river’s banks tell stories of ancient sediments, holding evidence of the earth’s past, much to a geologist’s delight!

If you’re thinking of visiting, it’s pretty easy. The river runs directly alongside cities like Memphis, offering scenic views and accessible parks. Roads and highways are well connected, ensuring that reaching the Mississippi’s shores is a breeze.

Where we found petrified wood along the Mississippi River

If you’re looking to add to your collection of rocks and minerals, head to the gravel bars along the Mississippi River. These spots are rich with various stones and fossils, and petrified wood pieces often get mixed in.

One hotspot for these ancient wooden gems is near Richardson’s Landing. As the river’s currents move and shift, they reveal these hidden wonders.

Hardin County

Hardin County sits comfortably in the southwestern part of Tennessee and is a gem for nature lovers and rock enthusiasts alike! The county is graced by the beautiful Tennessee River, giving it scenic riverbanks and lush green landscapes.

The region features rolling hills and flatlands, making it a diverse playground for outdoor adventures. 

Geologically, the area showcases a mix of sedimentary rocks, and with the river flowing through, there’s always the chance of uncovering fascinating fossils and mineral deposits.

If you’re eager to visit, it’s pretty straightforward! Major highways, like the US-64, run directly through Hardin County, making it accessible from various parts of the state.

Where we found petrified wood in Hardin County

Hardin County in Tennessee offers prime spots to discover petrified wood. The Coffee Bluff area is where you’d want to head! This location is known among rockhounds as a go-to place for these finds.

Other Great Places To Find Tennessee Petrified Wood

Let’s dive into the exciting spots in Tennessee where you can discover the beauty of petrified wood!

Common Questions About Finding Petrified Wood In Tennessee

Let’s explore some of the commonly asked topics about petrified wood in Tennessee, a subject that sparks curiosity in many rock enthusiasts and collectors alike!

How old is petrified wood in Tennessee?

Petrified wood in Tennessee takes us on a cool journey back in time! Most of the petrified wood found here comes from the Cretaceous period, which is often called the “Dinosaur Time”.

So, when you’re holding a piece of this petrified wood, you’re touching something that’s about 75 million years old.

This time was filled with massive reptiles, both on land and in the sea. Think of the T-Rex and the Triceratops; they were roaming around when this wood was still a living tree.

Tennessee was a bit different back then, with swamps and warm shallow seas.

Can you find petrified palm wood in Tennessee?

You might think that Tennessee has all types of petrified wood, but here’s something interesting: you won’t find petrified palm wood here. Instead, Tennessee has its own special treasures, like petrified Lepidodendron.

Now, Lepidodendron might sound like a mouthful, but it’s a super cool ancient plant that kind of looks like today’s palm trees. 

These Lepidodendron plants were massive, growing tall and straight, and they lived way before the dinosaurs! So, while you won’t stumble upon petrified palm wood, finding a piece of Lepidodendron is just as awesome.

The Best Places To Buy Petrified Wood In Tennessee

Learning how to find petrified wood is a fun adventure, especially when you know the right places to look! However, if you’re not up for exploring, you can buy petrified wood instead.

You’ll find great selections at local rock and mineral shops. See our top picks below:

• Stones Of Spirit – 6712 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
• Jae’s Gem Mine – 2416 Music Valley Dr #102, Nashville, TN 37214
• The Rock Spot – 3475 Parkway #3, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
• Alex’s Rock Shop – 100 S Main St, Shelbyville, TN 37160
• Stonekeepers – 215 Robert Rose Dr e, Murfreesboro, TN 37129