About Old Mine Park
The Old Mine Park is one of the best places to go rockhounding in Connecticut, as it holds significant geological history. It is a national park site in the Long Hill section of Trumbull, Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. Also known as the Long Hill Mine or Old Tungsten Mine, it was once an active mining area producing valuable tungsten minerals. Today it stands as a public park where visitors can explore its geology, walk scenic trails, and learn about Connecticut's mining past. While collecting is no longer permitted inside Old Mine Park, the site remains one of the state's most important historic rockhounding locations. Get to explore its winding paths and learn about the town's mining heritage.
History Of Old Mine Park
The history of Old Mine Park dates back to the mid-19th century, with operations beginning around 1830. Started off initially as the Hubbard Tungsten Mine, the site became famous for being the first tungsten deposit mined in North America, and even produced topaz in its unique quartz-rich veins. The site's geology was marked by amphibolite, marble, pegmatites, and hydrothermal veins, and hosted minerals such as scheelite, ferberite, fluorite, quartz, and beryl.
Mining here peaked around 1900 but quickly declined due to poor recovery methods. By 1937, the land was turned over to the town of Trumbull and designated as Old Mine Park. While mineral collecting is no longer allowed, the park remains a window into Connecticut's mining heritage and an outdoor classroom for geology enthusiasts. Today, the remnants of the mining operations, including old pits and open cuts, are clearly visible, exposing rich pegmatitic veins and metamorphic rock.
Today, it stands as a reminder of Connecticut's unique mineral resources and the state's role in America's industrial history. The geology of Old Mine Park is what made it a hotspot for early rockhounds and miners, as the park sits within a region of pegmatite and amphibolite formations, with veins that once hosted valuable minerals.
What Can Be Found at Long Hill Mine
While mineral collecting is no longer allowed in Old Mine Park, the area is historically known for producing a variety of interesting specimens.
- Tungsten Minerals: The mine was well known for producing tungsten minerals, which earned it the name Old Tungsten Mine. Common finds were scheelite and wolframite; these were the most commercially important finds, vital for wartime arms production. The tungsten minerals at Old Mine Park were once found along the lower contact of a thick layer of coarsely crystalline white marble, which sits interbedded with deep green amphibolite schist. Today, it's difficult to confirm the exact occurrence of the ore, since neither scheelite nor wolframite is visible in the old workings anymore. The lower section of the mine looks more like a large quarry, located just behind the old mill site (which was reportedly destroyed by fire). The quarry walls reveal thin-bedded crystalline white marble, streaked with bands rich in green hornblende and pale-green granular pyroxene, also known as coccolite. You'll also find large nodules and lenses of deep red garnet here. When weathering has removed the surrounding calcite, these garnet masses break into brilliant little brownish-red dodecahedral crystals, making it one of the striking features of the site.
- Beryl: Occasional beryl crystals were noted in widely distributed in the granitic pegmatites and along the contact zones of certain calcite-rich, cross-cutting veins. These crystals were mistaken for topaz, but they are typically found in association with quartz, calcite, and albite, forming part of the park's diverse mineralogy.
- Topaz: Another mineral recorded in the mine is topaz, occurring in small blue crystals. Topaz can be found in the granitic pegmatite, formed in hydrothermal veins and in cavities within the pegmatites. Topaz is mostly used in making jewelry and ornamental objects.
While you won't be able to take these minerals home today, the park is still a good place to learn about Connecticut's mining heritage and geology.
Blue beryl crystals
Scheelites
Topaz
Location Of Old Mine Park
Old Mine Park is along the long hill road, Trumbull, Connecticut. The coordinates are 41.28917,-73.22722. The best way to reach the Long Hill Mine is by walking north from the Long Hill train station, about 1.5 kilometers (just under a mile). From the tracks, the old mine openings, and the remains of the mill and equipment are clearly visible.
A train to Long Hill departs Bridgeport around 9 a.m., and the trip covers roughly 15 kilometers (9 miles). Despite some older reports, there is no trolley line conveniently near the site.
For anyone planning a visit, it's a good idea to get a copy of Hobbs' classic article on the deposit. It includes a detailed, large-scale map marking all the trenches, shafts, and openings, which makes exploring the site much easier.
Rockhounding Laws and Tips for Old Mine Park
Important Access Information
Before planning a visit to this mine, remember that mineral collecting is no longer permitted directly inside Old Mine Park. Therefore, one of the best ways to access the mine site is by joining a local rockhounding or mineral club. These clubs often organize field trips, provide access to otherwise restricted areas, and connect you with fellow collectors and geology enthusiasts. Here are some nearby clubs worth checking out:
- Lapidary and Mineral Society of Central Connecticut
- Bristol Gem & Mineral Club
- New Haven Mineral Club
- Danbury Mineralogical Society
- Stamford Mineralogical Society
Joining one of these organizations not only gives you access to collecting opportunities but also helps you learn from experienced hobbyists while building a community around your passion for minerals.
Visiting Tips
- Visit the County Office: Since the park is not open to public rockhounding activities, you need to visit the county office to ask questions on how to go about rockhounding in this area, and the best rockhounding clubs to join.
- Guide: Bring a field guide, or the Hobbs article as recommended; this will help you find the spots easily, and know where to direct your exploration.
- Document: It is important to document your rockhounding experience when you visit the Old Mine Park, take pictures and videos to keep the memories intact.
- Weather: Before visiting, do a quick weather check to ensure you are going in the best weather situation. Also, prepare for the day by wearing clothes that fit the weather. Also, arriving early in the morning lets you experience the park's tranquility.
Recommended Gear
When planning a trip to Old Mine Park, a little preparation with the right tool goes a long way.
- Comfortable Wear: Wear comfortable hiking boots to handle the uneven trails and rocky ground. And dress in clothes that fit the weather.
- Sun Protection: Sun protection is necessary since much of the park is exposed. It is important to bring sun protection, which includes a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Water and Snacks: Pack water and snacks to keep you going. Or pack for a picnic to enjoy by the river while exploring the park; this makes for a relaxing outing.
- Camera: A camera is a must for capturing the landscapes and remnants of the mining past, and keeping good memories of your rockhounding experience.
Recommended Gear
Conclusion
Old Mine Park in Trumbull, Connecticut, is a site rich with history, geology, and local significance. While it's no longer a collecting destination, it's an essential stop for anyone interested in Connecticut's mining past.
Old Mine Park remains an important stop for rockhounds. Visiting here will help you discover and appreciate the history of tungsten mining in Connecticut, see firsthand the geology of pegmatites in the mine, and enjoy an educational rockhounding experience.
Other Rockhounding Sites in Connecticut
While exploring Old Mine Park offers insights into Connecticut's mining heritage, here are other rockhounding sites to check out in Connecticut.
Guidebooks For Connecticut
If you want to learn more about the unique geological history of Connecticut, here are suggested guidebooks for you to learn and discover more.