When you visit the Smoky Mountains, did you know that you can mine for gems just like prospectors did back in the day? It’s true! There are several fun gem mining attractions throughout the Smokies where you can test your luck at finding gemstones to take back home, or even have made into a unique jewelry item! Here are the top 5 places to go gem mining in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville:
1. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a popular mountaintop theme park full of cool attractions, including gem mining! An interactive waterfall and sluice allows kids of all ages to bring out their inner explorer and search for that special gemstone or fossil! You’ll also have a blast leading your kids on the adventure as they search for diamonds in the rough! The gem mining area is situated at the end of the park’s Treetop Canopy Walk and adjacent to the Treehouse Village.
2. Pigeon Forge Gem Mine
The Pigeon Forge Gem Mine offers a fun time for everyone in the family as you mine for gems in the flume area! The best part is that you can have your finds cut, polished and made into some stunning jewelry! Start your adventure by purchasing from a variety of buckets, which may include gems such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts and topaz. Once you have your bucket, use the flume to sift through the sand and discover what exciting treasures are left behind! Be sure to take the time to explore the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine’s free Rock and Fossil Museum too!
3. Old Smoky Gem Mine
The Old Smoky Gem Mine is conveniently located along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, making it the perfect stop for anyone strolling the strip! You’ll not only have the opportunity to discover some sparkling gems, but also to interact with the friendly owners who would be delighted to teach you about all of the gemstones that are available!
4. Goats on the Roof
Another one of the best places to go gem mining in Pigeon Forge is Goats on the Roof, a delightfully quirky gift shop on Wears Valley Road! Start with a bucket of gem-rich soil and then sift through it in an authentic, old-style water sluice. Once the moving current of water washes the soil away through your screened tray, you’ll get to see what sparkling gems remain in the tray! This is also the only gem mine in the Smoky Mountains where you’ll actually find goats roaming around on the roof, so be sure to put this gem mine on your itinerary!
5. Little River Gem Mine
When it comes to the top places to go gem mining in the Smokies, you won’t want to miss the Little River Gem Mine! This fun interactive attraction is situated in Sevierville between I-40 and Route 441, making it the perfect first stop for anyone on their way into the Smoky Mountain region! The Little River Gem Mine not only features gem mining, but also a neat rock shop with all kinds of interesting fossils for sale!
Check out all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals today to stay close to these awesome places to go gem mining in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville! We look forward to seeing you soon!
