What better way to see geology in action with hands-on experiences. Custom trips are easily developed depending upon your interests. These are the areas being utilized by Jones Geological Services at the present:

  1. Geology of York County – trip to selected sites in the area to examine various geologic features and a general overview of the local geology. Trip can be adjusted from 1.5 – 6 hours.

  2.  Geology and Mineral Resources in the South Mountain area, Cumberland Co., PA.  See several springs, Hammond Rocks, Pine Grove Furnace and see fossils dating back 600 million years old. 

  3. Delta – The Slate Story – take a trip to southeastern York County where in the 19th century, the world’s best slate was mined. Learn how the Welsh migration improved the mining technology. Visits include stops at the Slateville Presbyterian Church, Old Line Museum, Jones Quarry, Coulsontown and the Cardiff Marble Company. Allow 4-7 hours.

  4. Iron Mines and Furnaces of York County – a tour through the 19th century when over 170 iron mines operated in the area. With this important industry, five furnaces operated in York County. With urban development and weathering, many of these landmarks have been destroyed. Stops include Codorus Furnace, Rudy Bank near Hellam, Boyer Bank near Hanover, McCormick Mine and Dogwood Hollow mines near Dillsburg. Allow 5-7 hours.

  5. Scenic Geologic Features in York County – what a way to view the area by studying several of the prominent natural landmarks. Where is the highest and lowest elevation elevation? Sites to visit include Chimney Rock near Hellam, High Rock near Hanover, Accomac Gorge near Wrightsville and Ski Roundtop near Dillsburg. Allow 2-5 hours.

  6. Fossil Sites in York County – travel back through time as we uncover ancient life that once lived in the area. Stops will include Locust Lane near Emigsville where Paleozoic trilobites have been found, visit a site(s) where Mesozoic dinosaurs have been found and examine a sinkhole where Pleistocene fossils have been recovered. Allow 2-4 hours.

  7. Gold Panning – so you want to learn how to find the precious mineral? We can choice from several York County streams to pan from, based on your location and available water supply. GREAT PROGRAM FOR A SCOUT GROUP!!!!!!!

  8.  Geology of Adams County (or Lancaster County) – the trip will visit several key exposures, quarries or mines in the area.  By the conclusion of the fieldtrip, students will have knowledge about what types of rocks, minerals and fossils exist in their backyards.

  9.Geology of the Frederick Valley and South Mountain in Pennsylvania and Maryland.  See several important mineral resources in the area, study the topography and examine rocks ranging in age from 600 – 160 million years old.

      Jones Geological Services has organized field trips to localized areas in the past. These trips include the geology, mineral resources and environmental geology. These or a new trip can be put together to fit your needs. Areas in past tours include:  Pigeon Hills, Geology and the Gettysburg Battlefield, The York Valley – mineral resources and geologic concerns.

     Jones Geological Servicesworks with Magnesita in West York, Valley Quarries in Gettysburg, Caledonia, Fairfield and Chambersburg, Vulcan Materials quarry in Hanover and Buckeystown, MD, Rohrer’s Quarry in Lititz and Weaverland Quarry near New Holland, Lancaster County.  We also work with Specality Granules quarry in Blue Ridge Summit.  Jones Geological Services has also escorted individuals and groups to other mineral and fossil sites in central and southeastern Pennsylvania. Inquiry about these possibilities.

All field trips include guidebook for all participants. E-mail us for more details and prices