Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is Macon County's ONLY 100% Unsalted Gem Mine, located in the heart of the beautiful Cowee Valley of North Carolina's Smoky Mountains. NOTE: Cherokee Mine is OPEN
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- pjc1344 contributionsFun unsalted gem mine.After fifeen years we had a chance to visit North Carolina again and the Cherokee mine was one of the first places we wanted to revisit. The experience was even better than the first time as we had the opportunity to reunite with a friend that we made at the mine all those years ago! The new owners of the mine were fabulous. Very knowledgeable and fun to talk to. They addid a new flume line to clean the dirt that you could either buy by the bucket of dig your own. Two buckets were included with the price of admission but we ended up buying several more because it's fun! Also much appreciated was the addition of a clean bathroom with flush toilet and outside sink. The mine is not salted so you know you take a chance of getting something good. We got a few rubies big enough to have made into cabochons! Not clear gem quality but beautiefu all the same. During the several days that we went to the mine we saw other gem hunters get some beautiful stones too! We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed the company of chickens and Walter the little goat or maybe it was Ruby the goat. Couldn't tell them apart! So cute! There was no gift shop so you are not pressured into buying overpriced "stuff" and you must bring your own water to drink and food or snacks. If you like to get back to nature and get a little dirty and just maybe a little rich this is the place to go.. It's fun, educational and you never know if you will make lasting friendships like we did.Visited September 2022Written September 18, 2022
- Kimberly F3 contributionsLoved itWe just got home from vacation and that was the absolute first thing I did and always wanted to do. I found quit a bit and even had one ruby made into a 2 carat oval, wish I could have done 4 like he said it was a huge gem but at 100 dollars a carat I couldn’t. It came out beautiful! I have plenty more to do as well as the sapphires. They are in a tumbler now! I have a lot of people saying it’s fake and they are not real gems. Do you have any information on it? We stopped again in pigeon forge and I think that one was fake because there was a coin in the bucket and the stones were not ruffVisited April 2021Written April 22, 2021
- Kim L3 contributionswhat a great afternoonWe have been lucky enough to do a lot of rock and gem hunting across the country, and this place didn't disappoint. We spent a few hours there and had a great time. The guys working were incredibly helpful and went out of their way to make sure everyone there was good. They also showed us how the dark room worked with the UV light and helped us find our treasures. We managed to walk away with a few rubies and also bought 2 more bags of dirt to bring home and pick thru later. We very much appreciated that this particular mine is not salted, for us we want what is in the ground here, not what they bring in from somewhere else. It was a great afternoonVisited June 2023Written June 7, 2023
- Bradley N1 contributionRUDE!! RAN BY 2 RUDE GUYS WHO JUST CRAWLED OUT OF BEDTook my 3 year old son here after lunch to have something to do. My 87 and 88 year old grandparents came to watch and the two hill billys hanging out there insisted they had to pay $35 PER PERSON to watch their great grandson dig in the dirt. They were extremely rude and when my grandad asked a simple question he responded with “oh you want to ask questions but don’t want to pay”. Terrible experience. Once we started to all get in the car in leave they decided they wanted to act friendly and try to strike a deal. KEEP DRIVINGVisited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 10, 2023
- Scott W35 contributionsBucket list item checked off!Visiting this mine has been on my "to do" list for years. I was finally able to make the trip, and it was good. Overall, it felt pretty similar to the other mines in the area. The main difference for me is that they have a room where you can examine your gravel with a black light which makes it really easy to find any rubies (and other types of stones). I think my one piece of advice would be to either increase the number of buckets for the $30 admission price or decrease to admission price to maybe $20. The buckets are pretty small (2 gallon?), and $60 for two people is a pretty expensive activity. Just for comparison, I went to Crater of Diamonds National Park last summer to dig for diamonds, and for $10/person you can sift through as many buckets as you have energy for for the entire day. I like looking through native dirt, and I understand that you're not guaranteed to find anything (we found 3 small quarter carat sized rubies/sapphires in our 4 buckets), which is why I think lowering the price or increasing the number of buckets would be justified. It just seems like they are charging salted prices for native material.Visited July 2022Written July 15, 2022
- Tyler H2 contributionsGreat place and great peopleEric and Zack are great guys and I had a lot of fun out there. Gave me an extra bucket after I mentioned I was military and helped out identifying rubies and sapphires that I found. I recommend bringing a 365 nm - 410 nm light so you dont have to wait on the black light room. Ive been to two mines now this one and emerald hollow and this one by far is much better!Visited September 2022Written September 19, 2022
- Will A1 contributionRubies!Just made my 2nd trip of this year out to the mine. (August, and again in September). Took my 7 year old daughter on the 1st Trip and found a 12 carat ruby. On my most recent trip I found a 3.5 carat pigeon blood ruby, that is absolutely beautiful. The owners are very friendly, and helpful. I will say you have to put in some work to find them. I did 8 buckets on the first trip and 10 on the 2nd.Visited September 2022Traveled with familyWritten September 9, 2022
- Don B1 contributionLearn and then do. Great experience!Upon arriving, my girlfriend and I were given an introduction to what gems were at the area, how to identify them and some great information on telling look-alikes apart. Then we were shown how to use the shaker boxes and flume. Truly great information and delivered by people who are passionate about teaching and sharing the experience. They even provide a free service of checking behind us to ensure we do not miss anything. The girlfriend found three sapphires and various pieces of other gems. I found moonstone, kyanite, garnets and a few other pieces. (Sadly, no sapphires for me) truly magnificent time!Visited June 2021Traveled with friendsWritten July 2, 2021
- Rhonda T1 contributionGreat, fun, exciting adventureGreat group of guys that own the mine. Their children help out on the sluice and are very entertaining. Really impressed with the care they give you to ensure you have a great experience. Love the goats and chickens too. My granddaughter had a blast and we will return in July!Visited June 2022Written June 14, 2022
- EJFreeland, Michigan13 contributionsGet there when they open! Fun learning experience!We drove all the way from Gatlinburg and enjoyed it. Got there at 11am. They only let in a specific number per day so get there early if you can help it. We were there and they started turning people away around noon. We would have been disappointed if that were us but there are others in the area. The staff were very knowledgeable and patient teachers. We found a few jeepers but nothing overly exciting. I would have stayed longer if they didn’t shut down for the day at about 1 pm. On way back we hit the museum in Cherokee (3 out of 5).Visited July 2021Traveled with familyWritten July 9, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
252 reviews
Excellent
199
Very good
28
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
12
Bradley N
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Family
Took my 3 year old son here after lunch to have something to do. My 87 and 88 year old grandparents came to watch and the two hill billys hanging out there insisted they had to pay $35 PER PERSON to watch their great grandson dig in the dirt. They were extremely rude and when my grandad asked a simple question he responded with “oh you want to ask questions but don’t want to pay”. Terrible experience. Once we started to all get in the car in leave they decided they wanted to act friendly and try to strike a deal. KEEP DRIVING
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott W
Beijing, China35 contributions
Jul 2022
Visiting this mine has been on my "to do" list for years. I was finally able to make the trip, and it was good. Overall, it felt pretty similar to the other mines in the area. The main difference for me is that they have a room where you can examine your gravel with a black light which makes it really easy to find any rubies (and other types of stones). I think my one piece of advice would be to either increase the number of buckets for the $30 admission price or decrease to admission price to maybe $20. The buckets are pretty small (2 gallon?), and $60 for two people is a pretty expensive activity. Just for comparison, I went to Crater of Diamonds National Park last summer to dig for diamonds, and for $10/person you can sift through as many buckets as you have energy for for the entire day.
I like looking through native dirt, and I understand that you're not guaranteed to find anything (we found 3 small quarter carat sized rubies/sapphires in our 4 buckets), which is why I think lowering the price or increasing the number of buckets would be justified. It just seems like they are charging salted prices for native material.
I like looking through native dirt, and I understand that you're not guaranteed to find anything (we found 3 small quarter carat sized rubies/sapphires in our 4 buckets), which is why I think lowering the price or increasing the number of buckets would be justified. It just seems like they are charging salted prices for native material.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyler H
2 contributions
Sep 2022
Eric and Zack are great guys and I had a lot of fun out there. Gave me an extra bucket after I mentioned I was military and helped out identifying rubies and sapphires that I found. I recommend bringing a 365 nm - 410 nm light so you dont have to wait on the black light room. Ive been to two mines now this one and emerald hollow and this one by far is much better!
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will A
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Family
Just made my 2nd trip of this year out to the mine. (August, and again in September). Took my 7 year old daughter on the 1st Trip and found a 12 carat ruby. On my most recent trip I found a 3.5 carat pigeon blood ruby, that is absolutely beautiful. The owners are very friendly, and helpful. I will say you have to put in some work to find them. I did 8 buckets on the first trip and 10 on the 2nd.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don B
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Friends
Upon arriving, my girlfriend and I were given an introduction to what gems were at the area, how to identify them and some great information on telling look-alikes apart. Then we were shown how to use the shaker boxes and flume. Truly great information and delivered by people who are passionate about teaching and sharing the experience. They even provide a free service of checking behind us to ensure we do not miss anything. The girlfriend found three sapphires and various pieces of other gems. I found moonstone, kyanite, garnets and a few other pieces. (Sadly, no sapphires for me) truly magnificent time!
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhonda T
1 contribution
Jun 2022
Great group of guys that own the mine. Their children help out on the sluice and are very entertaining. Really impressed with the care they give you to ensure you have a great experience. Love the goats and chickens too. My granddaughter had a blast and we will return in July!
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EJ
Freeland, MI13 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We drove all the way from Gatlinburg and enjoyed it. Got there at 11am. They only let in a specific number per day so get there early if you can help it. We were there and they started turning people away around noon. We would have been disappointed if that were us but there are others in the area. The staff were very knowledgeable and patient teachers. We found a few jeepers but nothing overly exciting. I would have stayed longer if they didn’t shut down for the day at about 1 pm. On way back we hit the museum in Cherokee (3 out of 5).
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyssa D
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This was our first experience rockhounding at a mine and we made a special stop on our way home from Florida to Virginia to go here. It was amazing and we had so much fun! The owner is so kind and helpful. I love that it’s unsalted and everything is from the area not brought in from other places. Definitely plan on spending several hours. If we had had more time I would have gone back for a second day. We are going to be within an hours drive at Thanksgiving time and will definitely be back for more. I even brought home a bag of dirt from the mine. I 100% recommend everyone make a trip here!
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gayle R
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
This was one of the greatest experiences we’ve had. The staff here was knowledgeable and helpful. Very nice. Taught you what you needed to know about the stones and how to find them and then left you alone to enjoy the experience. They were available for questions whenever needed. We found some pretty rubies, moonstones, quartz, and chaldoney. We wanted to return the next day, but after 7 1/2 hrs we woke up a bit sore. Sitting on wooden benches and digging dirt to sift through is harder on a 70 yr old body. Of course, the easiest way was to use only the dirt they dug, but we wanted the full experience. Whether their buckets or our own digs, they do not salt the dirt. You find what you find. Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, snacks, and bug spray, just in case. My husband and I highly recommend this mine.
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather Iseminger
11 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Our family visited this mine on an overcast, drizzly day. It was perfect. This is not a flashy place. There are no bells and whistles. And I wouldn't have it ANY other way. It was absolutely awesome. We got our hands dirty and played in clay for several hours. The owners took a great deal of time educating us on the stones and rocks we were finding. As a teacher I can say it was incredibly educational in the best way. Hands-on learning for sure. This place is off the beaten path and perfect for this family's adventurous spirit.
Written July 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Riverpoot
Troy, NC36 contributions
Wow...got it...don't take coon rd...but u list 20.00 for one bucket? U write too much its mind boggling...I got confused reading it...I don't know if its all day? Can we bring food? One bucket pre filled?
darlaine1234
Butler, Pennsylvania
Buckets are prefilled, but you pick your bucket. You sit as long as you want.
Charlotte R
Ghent, Belgium18 contributions
Is there a lapidary on site or another one nearby that you can refer me to when I have finished prospecting?
Pam Z
Denver, CO2 contributions
We will be traveling in the area pulling a trailer, will the parking area accommodate a truck and a trailer?
Terry G
16 contributions
How long is the trailer? The road to and from the Mine is paved but a little narrow, once you turn off the main road. To get to the main parking lot you have to negotiated a left hand turn off this road. I agree a 20 foot trailer would not be a problem but perhaps in the hands of a skilled driver unlike myself I would never attempt negotiating a 30+ foot trailer. Google Maps has a great view of the road and the turn off. The new owners have made some changes, but the road and driveway is the same. Hope you enjoy your trip.... I always do.
ladyhawk98
Winter Springs, FL
How much per person is the admission. And what other costs are there if any?
ProudMom69
Little Rock, AR15 contributions
We went last year and it was $30.00 for two buckets then they got a little cheaper. We found some beautiful stones that we had cut at cowee lapidary down the road. We also found a couple large pieces of rutile and had 2 pendants right at 3 carats each cut and 2 sets of earrings that were 1 1/2 carat each earring setting. It was beautiful I always get comments when I wear it. We also found a couple rubies which we had cut but I have not found a design that I like yet so they have not been set.
How likely is it to find gemstones for a wedding band? I am from the Midwest and am looking to plan a trip, it's important to me that I find one but I also want to dig up my own. How long do you think that would take?
TJ H
Aiken, SC15 contributions
it is an unsalted mine so the potential is there to find what your looking for unless it's a diamond. Rubies and Sapphires are pretty abundant.
Hello! I was wondering if Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine accepts reservations or works on a first come/first serve basis?
Thanks in advance!
expat326
San Francisco, CA1,486 contributions
Yes, agree it is first come first serve, but this property has a 'flume' or panning area that is longer than others I have seen or visited and in the two times I have been here, it was not crowded. Plus there was a large grassy area to sit and some picnic type tables under some trees so there was room to spread out or just to sit and take a break,
Jill D
Asbury4 contributions
Are pets allowed there?
Matthew M
Jersey City, NJ22 contributions
Good Evening,
Pets are allowed, as long as they are kept under control and do not disturb other customers. We are also dog owners, and so we try to be as accommodating as possible. We do ask that pets are walked away from the parking area and sluice area, and that owners properly dispose of anything that may be deposited.
Thank you for your interest!
Lisa & Matt, Owners, Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Matthew M
Jersey City, NJ22 contributions
Hi, This is Matt, and my wife Lisa and I own the Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine.
First, in the interest of full disclosure, there is more than sufficient dirt for children to play in in this area. However, your grandson was not playing in dirt. Your grandson was overturning the Pre-Filled buckets, which we provide to paying customers who do not choose the Dig-Your-Own option. Second, your grandson and the other children were also throwing rocks into the sluice, which is a disturbance to other miners at best, and a hazard to miners downstream. These children were also dropping empty buckets into the sluice as well as the complimentary seat cushion loaned to our customers. Then, they also dumped mud into our utility cart, which both we and other paying customers use to transport filled buckets, sluice screens etc. to and from the sluice line. While we had to take our attention away from other customers to clean up the messes that your party caused, The adults in your party stood idly by and watched, and contributed nothing. In spite of all of these actions, which were in violation of the Safety Orientation which A) printed on the back of the Liability Waivers your party signed, and B) Clearly posted at the Office where you checked in, we merely "Scolded" your grandson. We would have been well within our rights to invite you to leave with no refund. We did not do so. We also could have charged you for the wasted buckets of gem ore. We did not do so. How about you send us $50.00 to compensate for the four wasted buckets, which equates to two (2) Adult Admissions, and we will forget about having to clean up the rest of the mess. Our mailing address is 41 Cherokee Mine Road, Franklin North Carolina 28734. We prefer U.S. Postal Money Orders over personal checks.
Mary F
Lincoln, NE13 contributions
In further search . . . can anyone please name the "historic mines" in the Macon County region of NC, that offer more digging experiences, by chance?
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Claim your listingCherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
- Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is open:
- Sun - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine:
- (0.15 mi) Bates Cabins
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- (0.49 mi) RIDGE TOP MANOR MOST REVIEWS IN NORTH CAROLINA'
- (0.29 mi) "Fireman's Dream" Cabin 5 BDR / 3 Baths Beautiful Log Home! Hot Tub
- (0.30 mi) Beautiful 7 Br Log Cabin Located In Smoky Mtns
- Restaurants near Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine:
- (8.81 mi) Haywood Smokehouse
- (6.26 mi) Caffe Rel
- (8.79 mi) Boots Steakhouse
- (8.73 mi) Kostas Family Restaurant
- (5.93 mi) Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine Information
Excellent Reviews | 199 |
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Very Good Reviews | 28 |
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine Photos | 148 |