April 1 – October 31. 9am to 5pm (October 9am – 4pm) 7 days a week. Franklin’s original “Dig Your Own” native gemstone mine. Now offering enriched buckets. Home of the “Bell Ringer” for 10 carat and larger stones. Located in scenic Burningtown.

Fun for all ages!  Gem Mine rain or shine in our covered outdoor gem flume along the Little Tennessee River.  We help you to identify your gemstones.  We offer leisurely self guided kayak trips down the Little Tennessee River.  The trips are 2 1/2 – 3 hours long.  Enjoy nature at its best.  Your adventure and treasure await you!

Native Ruby & Sapphire Mine – see on TV – Come find a valuable piece of North Carolina or mine for gems from around the world.  Open 7 days a week April 1st through October 31st from 10 am till 5 pm.  Last customer at 3 pm because real gem mining takes 2 to 3 hours minimum.  See you soon!

Cowee Mtn. Ruby Mine is locally owned and operated for over 35 years.  Open March 1st through December 1st, 7 days a week.  We are located on Hwy 441, 4 miles north of Franklin.  Two covered flumes offer mining rain or shine.  Our gem shop offers a wide range of gifts. Also you can get your stones evaluated for cutting and setting.  Free Admission.

Home of the 1061 carat sapphire found at Gold City, featured in PEOPLE WEEKLY, DISNEY ADVENTURES and ROCK & GEM Magazines. Native and Enriched Gemstones buckets. We also have Gold Panning. New and Improved large covered flume for Gem Mining rain or shine.Located on highway 441, 6 miles north of Franklin, NC. Click on website for hours of operation or give us a call at 1-800-713-7767. Free stone inspections.

Experience the joy of mining for Native North Carolina Rubies, Sapphires, Garnet and other gems. The 686 carat Cherokee Princess & the 1,070 carat Cherokee Chief Rubies were mined at our mine in scenic Cowee Valley. You will enhance your knowledge of gems and may even become a Rockhound!