Pisgah Forest Gem Mine (North Carolina): 7 Insider Tips To Make The Best Of Your Trip

Are you wondering if the Pisgah Forest Gem Mine is worth a visit and if you’ll find any gems while there?

You are in for a pleasant surprise.

This gem mine has a wealth of mining material sourced from local mines and mines in Brazil, Madagascar, Morocco, and other countries.

As a result, there is plenty of ore for customers to sift through and discover hidden treasures.

The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine

There is something uniquely fascinating about digging for treasure and coming up with a find.

Not every day do you get the chance to give this kind of activity a go. Learning how to mine is educational and fun, especially if you find a worthy gem.

One of the most significant advantages of visiting a gem mine while on vacation is that everyone in your group can enjoy them.

Between the souvenir stores and the gem mining operation, there is entertainment for people of all ages.

You do not need to be an excellent gem miner to have a good time at a gem mine.

Staff members can typically assist you with the procedures, especially if you are new to gem mining.

Regardless of your gem mining skill, there will be activities everyone can take part in.

Where Is The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine?

The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine is located 1/2 mile from the National Forest Entrance in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina.3338 Asheville Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, United States.

What Type Of Gems Can Be Discovered At The Pisgah Gem Mine?

There is an abundance of gems to be discovered at the mine, including Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Girasol Opal, Citrine, Dalmatian Jasper, Red Jasper, Fluorite, Labradorite, Tourmaline, Clear Quartz, Tourmaline, Aventurine, Fushite, Pyrite, Moonstone, Fire Agate, Desert Jasper, Smoky Quartz, Zebra Jasper, Amazonite, Apatite, Onyx, and Carnelian.

You may even get lucky and find some gold.

Will Mining At The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine Be Suitable For Young Children?

Mining might be a one-hour pastime or a multi-day excursion.

Choose the bucket that best fits your family’s needs and jump right in. The kids, ages two and up, have a great time.

If your children become sidetracked while you sift for treasure, there is a sandbox and other children’s toys right next to the sluice so you can monitor them.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine?

Anytime is a good time to visit the Pisgah Forest Gem Mine in North Carolina.

They are delighted to provide gem mining that can be achieved indoors or outdoors and it is open all year, no matter the weather!

Except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, their Pisgah location is available daily. From March 1st to November 30th, the Pisgah Forest shop is open daily.

Then it’s open as long as the weather permits. Don’t hesitate to contact Pisgah Forest Gem Mine during the off-season for their daily hours.

What Are The Bucket Prices At The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine?

Standard Bucket Prices

Up to 40 precious and semi-precious stones from local and international mines are included in these Pisgah Forest Gem Mine buckets. The larger the bucket, the more treasures you’ll discover.

Purchasing a bucket allows you to fill it up to the top with ore, which you can then search through for hidden gems.

Little Nugget Buckets — $14
Rock Hound Buckets — $24
Big Bonanza Buckets — $40

Super Bucket Prices

These super-sized mining buckets contain ore, including gems from ruby, sapphire, emerald, and fossil mines, along with larger rocks and geodes.

It also comes with the standard jewels included in these buckets.

These options are ideal for both families and dedicated miners.

Super Bucket — $70
The Eldorado Bucket — $150
Papa Bear Bucket — $400
The Spectacular Bucket — $800

Specialty Experience

This may be the one for you if you want an extra unique bucket of gems. Ruby, Sapphire, Aquamarine, Topaz, and Emerald gem mining ore are now available as a one-of-a-kind experience. This is a high-quality bucket with faceted stones.

Small Bucket — $60

Large Bucket — $100.

4½ gallon Premium Fossil Bucket — $65

Black Light Experience

This experience will be back shortly!

They had to stop black light mining because of Covid-19, because of the limited size of the black light chamber and the impossibility of keeping people at a safe distance.

These buckets are exclusive to Pisgah Forest Gem Mine and can only be found there. In the special black light gem mining chamber, you may locate a variety of fluorescent minerals that shine.

This is only accessible Monday through Friday in the Pisgah Forest.

1 Gallon Bucket — $25

What Other Activities Are There At The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine

When you are ready to have lunch, there is a free picnic spot along the river and fun family activities like corn hole and ticktacktoe.

You can also browse amongst the local souvenirs, gems, and minerals from all over the world, which are available at their gift and rock shop.

You may like to visit hundreds of spectacular waterfalls in the Pisgah Forest near Brevard. The gem mine is about 20 minutes away from there.

Visit the Pisgah Forest Gem Mines gift store for a free map and all the information you’ll need to organize your waterfall excursion.

Mountain Gold Prospecting

The Pisgah Forest Store now has gold panning equipment! So you can now learn to mine natural gold ore from North Carolina!

This year, they have added gold panning to the list of exciting activities available at Pisgah Forest Gem Mine.

In Western North Carolina, gem mining isn’t the only thing to do.

The gold ore is excavated directly there in Western North Carolina, which sets it apart from other regional mining operations.

One of the first gold rushes took place in the Forge Mountains. The mountain ranges are littered with ancient abandoned mines.

From Pisgah to Charlotte, if you know how to pan for gold, you can find it in almost every mountain stream.

The crew at Pisgah Forest Mining will show you how to mine, as the pioneers did in the early 1800s.

Conclusion

A trip to the Pisgah Forest Gem Mine will provide plenty of opportunities to uncover and take home a valuable object, such as a gem or gold.

Whether members of your family wish to try gem mining or browse the gift store, there is something for everyone.

If you decide to try your hand at gem mining, you could come across an expensive sapphire or an emerald.

You might even crack open your geode containing an amethyst.

No doubt about it, you will depart with something valuable if you visit a gem mine while having an enjoyable day out.