OK, Fist thing I need to tell everyone is that there are two (2) “Mason” Mines in Franklin, North Carolina; and if you ask most of the people for directions (and you will need to) they will send you to the wrong one! “Mason Mountain Mine” is located about six miles out of Franklin, in Cowee County on North Carolina... more

As first timers, we were at Mason mine the first week in June and really loved it. We too packed a lunch and had a picnic near the small fish pond. Our kids loved it we were mining from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The price was $30.00 per person /adults and all the dirt you want to carry and... more

We chose this mine based on reviews on this site, and I'm so glad we did! No pre-seeded buckets, you get to pay a set rate ($30 per adult, $15 per child) and you can sift as many buckets as your back and hands can handle. You have to pay CASH, and you'll want to print out the map to... more

Our family went here after reading comments on trip advisor. We had a nice time, the people who worked there were quite accomodating to first timers and we found a few small stones to kêep us happy. We went to a different location the following day (Sheffields) and found it to be a little easier for first timers with a... more

Our family went mining for gems at Mason's. It was our first time. The place in the the mountains, but not hard to find if you use their map. You dig your own dirt. Buckets and shovels are provided. After you dig up your dirt, you take it back to the troughs and wash off the dirt from the rocks... more

This is one of the only places in this very rich mining region of North Carolina where one can actually do some mining. Nothing here is sold by the bucket, and nothing is "seeded" or "salted". Noone is guaranteed a find. You have to search, work at it, and, nearly everyone finds something. There is really a challenge and a... more

We arrived at Mason's Mines on a cool October morning, not ever having mined for gems before. Wesley met us and explained the process to us and before we could get started, Pete, the owner joined us and set us set up. We trudged up the hill, dug our own dirt , and trudged back down the hill. This was... more

My family and I just returned from a fantastic Mining expedition. My wife and I had as much fun as our two sons, 5 years and 3 years, had a great time all day. We arrived at 10am and left at 3:30pm. Yes, that's 5 hours of entertainment for kids (and adults) outside, digging dirt, hauling buckets, and cleaning rocks.... more

This was my first trip to any gem mine. I drove for over ten hours from St. Louis Missouri to the mine. Since it was such a long drive I researched it as much as possible to make sure I had the best experience for my daughter (9) my son (7) my wife (not saying) and myself. I am a... more