Dig For Gemstones At Emerald Hollow Mine In North Carolina

If you live in North Carolina, you certainly already know it’s a gem. However, did you know it also happens to be home to the only public access emerald mine in the world? Of course, emeralds aren’t all you’ll find at Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite, but they’re certainly the most prominent gemstone in the area and the most exciting to find! The best part is, you can dig for these magnificent minerals yourself. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the incredible and hidden Emerald Hollow Mine in North Carolina.

Emerald Hollow Mine is located in Hiddenite, where it is well known as one of the most interesting and unique locations in North America.

Goose398 / TripAdvisor It’s not every day you hear of a place that lets you dig for your own emeralds! Let’s just say this Emerald Hollow Mine in North Carolina belongs on your bucket list.

Every year, thousands of tourists and locals visit this mine in hopes of figuring out how to find emeralds in North Carolina.

Emerald Hollow Mine Facebook The mine is open every day of the year except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving. In the case of a severe storm, however, they may close the property temporarily.

Here’s how it works: During their time here guests can choose between sluicing, creeking, and digging, or go for all three.

Arcadia998 / TripAdvisor Since this is a mine, you will need to get a mining permit before you start. Permit fees cover your entrance into the mine, but you’ll still have to pay to dig.

If you’d rather not actually dig for North Carolina emeralds, you can purchase a native or enriched bucket and sift through it yourself. The cost of these can vary from the cost of a sandwich to far higher than that.

Miss_Shiloh / TripAdvisor This is a popular pick for families with young children who might not have the patience to dig or look through a creek.

Believe it or not, over 60 types of gemstones have been found here.

Gayle W / TripAdvisor Aside from beautiful emeralds, you might find sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, and smoky and clear quartz crystals, among others.

You never know what a day of work might look like at Emerald Hollow Mine.

Emerald Hollow Mine Facebook This is your chance to appease your inner geologist. And it’s an out-of-the-box activity the whole family can enjoy. When you’re done, it’s always fun to sit together and share your Emerald Hollow Mine finds!

Emerald Hollow Mine is typically open daily, but be sure to check out the website for the most current hours and any weather closures.

Emerald Hollow Mine Facebook Since you’ll be in the area, consider making your visit into a long weekend. There are a few campground and several hotels in the area.

Find yourself intrigued? Did you know there was an emerald mine in North Carolina? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Learn more about this one-of-a-kind experience by visiting the official Emerald Hollow Mine website. Of course, you can also follow them on Facebook. Additionally they can be reached on 828-635-1126.

Goose398 / TripAdvisor

It’s not every day you hear of a place that lets you dig for your own emeralds! Let’s just say this Emerald Hollow Mine in North Carolina belongs on your bucket list.

Emerald Hollow Mine Facebook

The mine is open every day of the year except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving. In the case of a severe storm, however, they may close the property temporarily.

Arcadia998 / TripAdvisor

Since this is a mine, you will need to get a mining permit before you start. Permit fees cover your entrance into the mine, but you’ll still have to pay to dig.

Miss_Shiloh / TripAdvisor

This is a popular pick for families with young children who might not have the patience to dig or look through a creek.

Gayle W / TripAdvisor

Aside from beautiful emeralds, you might find sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, and smoky and clear quartz crystals, among others.

This is your chance to appease your inner geologist. And it’s an out-of-the-box activity the whole family can enjoy. When you’re done, it’s always fun to sit together and share your Emerald Hollow Mine finds!

Since you’ll be in the area, consider making your visit into a long weekend. There are a few campground and several hotels in the area.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Emerald Hollow Mine Dr, Hiddenite, NC 28636, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Things To Do Outdoors In North Carolina September 20, 2021 Beth C. What are some fun things to do in North Carolina?

There are tons of fun things to do in North Carolina! Whether you’re an avid hiker, skier, artist, foodie, or historian, you’ll find plenty of impressive outings. Some of the top recommendations include:

McGailliard Falls Park Hawks Nest Snow Tubing Lazy 5 Ranch Seeing the covered bridge at Ole Gilliam Mill Park Attending the Cheerwine Festival The North Carolina Zoo Sand Dollar Island Salty Pirate Water Park Hickory Nut Falls A trip to the Biltmore

These are all fun trips, but luckily the state has so much more to do and see. As you plan your trip (or staycation!) be sure to making a list of all the unforgettable things to do in North Carolina.

What are some kid-friendly hiking trails in North Carolina?

Some of the best kid-friendly hiking trails in North Carolina include:

The Flytrap Trail and Sugerload Trail at Carolina Beach State Park Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park Hanging Rock Trail at Hanging Rock State Park Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Jomeokee Trail at Pilot Mountain State Park Raven Rock Loop Trail at Raven Rock State Park

Having fun with kids in the Tar Heel State is easy as can be. If you’re looking for more options check out our list of kid-friendly hikes in North Carolina that are just one mile or less.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Things To Do Outdoors In North Carolina

September 20, 2021

Beth C.

What are some fun things to do in North Carolina?

These are all fun trips, but luckily the state has so much more to do and see. As you plan your trip (or staycation!) be sure to making a list of all the unforgettable things to do in North Carolina.

What are some kid-friendly hiking trails in North Carolina?

Some of the best kid-friendly hiking trails in North Carolina include:

Having fun with kids in the Tar Heel State is easy as can be. If you’re looking for more options check out our list of kid-friendly hikes in North Carolina that are just one mile or less.

The OIYS Visitor Center

McGailliard Falls Park
Hawks Nest Snow Tubing
Lazy 5 Ranch
Seeing the covered bridge at Ole Gilliam Mill Park
Attending the Cheerwine Festival
The North Carolina Zoo
Sand Dollar Island
Salty Pirate Water Park
Hickory Nut Falls
A trip to the Biltmore

These are all fun trips, but luckily the state has so much more to do and see. As you plan your trip (or staycation!) be sure to making a list of all the unforgettable things to do in North Carolina.

What are some kid-friendly hiking trails in North Carolina?

Some of the best kid-friendly hiking trails in North Carolina include:

The Flytrap Trail and Sugerload Trail at Carolina Beach State Park
Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park
Hanging Rock Trail at Hanging Rock State Park
Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Jomeokee Trail at Pilot Mountain State Park
Raven Rock Loop Trail at Raven Rock State Park

Having fun with kids in the Tar Heel State is easy as can be. If you’re looking for more options check out our list of kid-friendly hikes in North Carolina that are just one mile or less.