A Fall Adventure Worth Digging For

Fall in Mitchell County is all about mountain views, crisp air, winding roads—and finding a little treasure along the way. As you explore the brilliant fall color of the Blue Ridge Mountains, make time to dig a little deeper. Mitchell County is home to three gem-mining destinations where you can search for your own piece of mountain treasure: Rio Doce, Gem Mountain and Emerald Village. And the best part? They’re perfectly positioned for a fall day of exploring.

Rio Doce: Just Minutes from the Parkway

Less than five minutes from the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rio Doce Gem Mine is an easy addition to your mountain adventure. Pick out a mining bucket and head to the flume, where you’ll wash away the dirt and discover what’s hiding inside. You never know what you might find—gems and minerals can include quartz, garnet, aquamarine and more.

Rio Doce also offers jewelry and lapidary services, so your favorite discovery can become a one-of-a-kind keepsake from your trip to Mitchell County.

photo courtesy of rio doce

Gem Mountain: Dig Into the Adventure

Also less than five minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance, Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine makes it easy to pair gem mining with a day of fall sightseeing.

Choose a bucket and settle in at the flume to search for your own colorful treasures. If you’re ready to take your adventure further, Gem Mountain also offers guided mine trips where visitors can dig directly at a working mine. After you’ve found your gems, you can have them identified and even turn a special discovery into jewelry to remember your mountain getaway.

photo courtesy of Gem Mountain

Emerald Village: Fall Color Meets Mining History

Just off the beautiful fall mountain town of Little Switzerland, Emerald Village offers a gem-mining experience surrounded by history, waterfalls and mountain scenery. Emerald Village is home to a collection of historic mines and attractions, including the North Carolina Mining Museum and the historic Bon Ami Mine. You can search for gemstones, try your hand at gold panning or dig for minerals. For an extra-special treasure hunt, you can even dig for emeralds at the historic Crabtree Emerald Mine. With Little Switzerland’s mountain views and fall color nearby, Emerald Village is a natural stop while exploring this scenic corner of Mitchell County.

image courtesy of Emerald Village

Make Gem Mining Part of Your Fall Adventure

The beauty of fall in Mitchell County is that the adventure doesn’t stop when you leave the Gem Mines. Spend the morning chasing fall color along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stop to dig into to some yummy local flavor, or explore the shops and galleries of Spruce Pine or Little Switzerland. Whether you uncover a sparkling crystal, a colorful gemstone or simply a great memory, gem mining is a fall adventure that shouldn't be forgotten! So this fall, take the scenic route, get your hands dirty and see what treasures you can uncover in Mitchell County!