Guide to Gem Mining in Blue Ridge, GA

Step up to the flume, grab a screen box, pour your bucket of mineral-rich dirt into the screen, and start sifting in the flowing water. Each shake may reveal sparkling gems, ancient fossils, geodes and other fun surprises, making gem mining a fun, family-friendly activity.

History of Gem Mining

The Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest in the world and the complex mountain-building process has left this area extraordinarily rich in mineral deposits. Fannin County sits within both the Georgia Gold Belt and the Copper Basin, regions that sparked mining rushes.

The discovery of gold in the Georgia Gold Belt in 1828 triggered the Georgia Gold Rush leading to the largest quantities of gold found in the eastern United States being unearthed in this region. Meanwhile, copper was officially discovered in 1843, though the Cherokee had known of and smelted these deposits long before, spurring a copper rush that sustained mining operations until 1987.

Today, Georgia's mines are celebrated for producing more than 20 different minerals, each carrying both geological wonder and countless modern uses.

Where to Go Gem Mining in Blue Ridge, GA

Aska Mining Company

Search for a selection of precious and semi-precious gems at Aska Mining Company, where everything from amethyst and citrine to emeralds, rubies, and sapphires can appear in your sifting screen.

Hours: Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: 8436 Aska Rd. Blue Ridge, GA
Additional Activities: Go tubing or enjoy dining and shopping at the Iron Bridge Cafe and Shop.

Bear Creek Adventures

Located in a beautiful mountain setting, gem mining at Bear Creek Adventures gives miners the opportunity to find gems, fossils, shark teeth, arrowheads, and more.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Friday-Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: 7289 US-64, Murphy, NC
Additional Activities: Challenge your loved ones on the 18-hole mini golf course.

Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides

Combine a horseback ride with gem mining at Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides, a long-running favorite for outdoor fun.

Hours: Mining is open from May to September, Monday-Sunday 8:45 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: 319 Hells Hollow Rd, Blue Ridge, GA
Additional Activities: Enjoy a horseback ride and pond fishing.

Cohutta Cove Mini Golf & Gem Mining

Pan for more than 40 varieties of gems, fossils, and shark teeth at this 50+ foot covered gem mining sluice. Cohutta Cove is dog-friendly so the whole family can join in the fun!

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12 p.m. - 6p.m. | Friday 12 p.m. - 8p.m. | Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: 64 Dunbarton Farm Rd. Blue Ridge, GA
Additional Activities: Tee-off at their 18-hole mini golf course.

Image shows a girl holding up a gem in one hand and a wooden wired rack full of gems under a water spigot in the other.

Coopers Creek Store

Coopers Creek Store is a one-stop-shop for gem mining and everything else you might need for your outdoor adventures. While sifting for gems, you can also get a fishing license and live bait, camping supplies, fresh produce, and more.

Hours: Open from the end of March to the first freeze. Sunday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 6p.m. | Friday 8:30 a.m. - 7p.m. | Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: 27880 Morganton Hwy. Suches, GA
Additional Activities: Tent camping in their private yard.

Huck's Lost Mine

Mine rare earth gems and even crack your own geode at Huck’s Lost Mine! Customize your mining adventure by choosing from their 2lb bag of gem rough up to 3 gallon buckets.

Hours: Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sunday-Thursday Closed
Location: 1470 Appalachian Hwy. Blue Ridge, GA
Additional Activities: Find fun souvenirs at the Rock Shop including raptor claws, helmets, necklaces, and geodes.

Image shows a covered area with gem mining set up.

The Lilly Pad Village

Stay comfortable while gem mining at The Lilly Pad Village thanks to their covered flumes providing ample shade from the summer sun and protection from any unexpected rain.

Hours: Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sunday- Thursday Closed
Location: 24 Adelaide Dr. Blue Ridge, GA
Additional Activities: Fishing, mini golf, and a souvenir shop serving ice cream.