GPS: 35.24836, -83.39594
Land type:
Private
Digging fee:
Adults: $40/day (standard dig)

The mine also offers private digs where you can get your own pile of native material for $500 per day (split up to 10 people).

A night dig option is also available for a $750 group rate from 5pm-9pm.

*Rates current as of July 2026.

Description:
Mason Mountain is famed for its ample supply of ‘rhodolite’ garnets, named after the rhododendron flower. Ruby/sapphire (corundum), moonstone, and kyanite can be found here as well among a few others. Corundum will be a bright orange-red at night under an ultraviolet light if you go for one of their night digs. Moonstone will typically be a bright purple under an ultraviolet light, similar to how fluorite reacts.

They have flumes where you can sift your material that you dig directly from the mountain. You can fill your bucket with material as many times as you’d like.

Seasonality:

This site has hours and availability dates that changes based on the time of year. Checking their website (linked further below) is the best way to keep tabs on their available digging dates.

Road condition notes:

Site is accessible with any standard car.

Additional information:

Address: 5315 Bryson City Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, United States
Website: https://masonmtnmine.com/