Kentucky Agate Hunts
Hunting for agates in the creeks of Estill County is a long-standing tradition. Agate hunters, often called rockhounds, are a folk group who enjoy traveling into the hill country to be out in nature with the wildlife and escape from the world. They wade in the creeks in hopes of finding the rare and highly prized red and black agate, which is among the most beautiful found.
Millions of years ago agates were formed by minerals filling a cavity in a host rock, creating the “gem of the hills.” The Kentucky agate is prized by collectors world-wide for its bright red bands and other spectacular colors. The rare agate has only been found in Estill and a few other surrounding counties. Agate became Kentucky’s official state gemstone by the Kentucky legislature in 2024.
2026 Agate Hunt Details
Notice: Agate Hunts for 2026 are full!
Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22
$25 - $50 per person
Pre-Registration Required
About our Agate Hunts
Our agate hunts are part of the larger Mountain Mushroom Festival and are presented with the partnership of the Southeast KY Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Club. This pre-festival activity is guidedby local Estill County Agate Hunters!
The hunts are spread over two days, with two types of terrain, Moderate or Rough. All attendees must pre-register for the event.
For more details, see the Frequently Asked Questions below the Registration.
Agate Hunt Frequently Asked Questions
Is pre-registration required?
Yes! Application forms (one name per application) and payment MUST be received prior to the hunts in order to make a reservation. Once the registration is accepted an email will be sent to confirm the reservation. A limited number will be accepted per day.
You must register in advance to participate.
What is the the terrain like?
All hunt locations have rough terrain in places and those hunting the agates will be in and out of the creek. However, the rough terrain locations are challenging, ranging from moderate to steeper incline in a strenuous environment. In addition, there will likely be some hiking up and down hills to get to the hunting site.
The agate hunts are in a very rural area on private property. There are no bathroom facilities and cell phone service is very limited.
Who are the guides?
Local agate hunters will be the guides. Do not wander away from the group without telling the local guide. Hunters are expected to stay in the area approved by the local property owner.
Where will we meet and what can I expect for the day?
We will meet at the Estill County Fairgrounds, 38 South Irvine Road, Irvine, KY. Turn at the Hwy 52/Hwy 89 intersection by Irvine Shell Mart onto Hwy 89. Drive a short distance and enter parking lot just past D&J Hardware.
(GPS coordinates: latitude 37.68206, longitude -83.97925).
- Arrive by 9 a.m.
- Check-in with festival officers at the registration table, sign the “Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk” form, and meet your agate hunt guide.
- Hunters will need to carpool due to limited parking space on site.
- Once on site, vehicles will be parked and hunters will walk to the creek.
- Expect to be out until middle to late afternoon as the weather allows.
What should I bring with me to the hunt?
- Appropriate clothing and wading boots.
- Bag and or bucket to hold rocks, safety glasses, walking pole, and digging tool such as a shovel, pick, or trowel. Whatever is picked up will have to be hand carried back to your vehicle.
- Sack lunch, snacks, and drinks.
Are children welcome on the Agate Hunts?
Children must be accompanied by an adult who is willing to accept responsibility for their safety, liability, and behavior. The rough terrain hunts will be open only to those youth who are 16 years of age and older.
Are refunds available?
No, Refunds can’t be made if a reservation is cancelled.
Visiting for the Festival?
Check out all there is to see and do in Irvine, Ravenna, and Estill County