Bring a plastic bag to stow the stones you uncover.

Wear clothes and tennis shoes or boots you don’t mind getting muddy. The Great Smoky Mountains offers many family-friendly activities and adventures, from horseback riding to ziplining! Gem mining is a great way to spend the day if you want something a little less daring but no less fun! Be sure to plan a gem mining excursion between your kayaking tour, your hiking or biking adventure, or your shopping trip! A Few Gem Mining Tipsīe sure to wear a hat or bring sunblock if it’s sunny out. Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is Macon Countys ONLY 100 Unsalted Gem Mine, located in the heart of the beautiful Cowee Valley of North Carolinas Smoky. This family-friendly activity allows you to experience local history, get your hands dirty, and take home a special, incredibly unique piece of your vacation! Fun For the Whole Family Gem mining and panning for gold are unique experiences for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains. Gem mining at authentic mines in North Carolina is a part of local history, and the potential for finding precious stones of all kinds is huge! You could potentially find many natural gifts the Great Smoky Mountains can share, like ruby, sapphire, topaz, emerald, amethyst, rose and smoky quartz, and more! Take Home A Special Piece of the Mountains

Gem Mining in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina

Cherokee ruby & sapphire mine