The Georgia Mountains are home to many mining attractions considering its rich history as a pioneering site during the major gold rush in the US. When visiting these places, you’ll learn about rare precious stones and understand how gold and gem mines work. Plus, even if you don’t find a pricey gem to take home (which is rare anyway), you still get to enjoy the gold prospecting and panning experience with your family and friends.
And in the spirit of making things a whole lot simpler, here at Augusta Planet, we have narrowed down the best places for gem mining in the North Georgia Mountains.
Top Sites for Gem Mining in Georgia Mountains
| Mining Site | Location | Google Reviews | Featured Activities |
Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines | 6145 GA-75, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571 | 4.9 out of 62 Google reviews | -Gold paydirt and rough gemstone panning, fossil mining & geode breaking |
The Crystal Empire Gem & Mineral Specimens | 4098 Whitesville Rd, LaGrange, GA 30240 | 4.5 out of 184 Google reviews | -Public digs & Private digs (with an expert guide) |
| The Lilly Pad Village | 24 Adelaide Drive,Blue Ridge, GA 30513, United States | 4.6 out of 499 Google reviews | -Gem Mining -Fishing -Mini Golfing |
| Aska Mining Company | 8346 Aska Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 | 4.8 out of 154 reviews | -Gem Mining -Water Tubing |
| Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co. | 7901 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545 | 4.5 out of130 Google reviews | -Gold paydirt and rough gemstone panning, fossil mining & geode breaking |
| Crisson Gold Mine | 2736 Morrison Moore Pkwy E, Dahlonega, GA 30533 | 4.6 / 288 Google reviews | -Gold Mining -Gemstone Mining (Both have options for non-concentrated and concentrated buckets) |
1. Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines
| Address: 6145 GA-75, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571, United States Contact No. +1 706-878-2625 Operating Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (subject to change during peak seasons) | Activities & Prices: -Georgia Gold Rush Paydirt at $15 per bucket -Outpost Gem Rough Buckets at $15 per bucket -Fossil Buckets $15 per bucket -Geodes at $5 per piece |
Rating:  | Visit Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines |
Find gold, precious stones (rubies, sapphires, amethyst, emeralds, etc.), and fossils, plus learn the proper panning technique when you visit Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines. This go-to mining attraction brings together the scenic view of Georgia and the historical gold mining in Dukes Creek, which is the site of the first major gold rush in the country.
Rain or shine, nothing can stop you from discovering metamorphic rocks and precious metals. Their panning tables are well-protected, and the staff members are always happy to assist.
After gathering your treasures, visit their General Store and gift shop for arts, authentic decors, and Georgia-grown products.
2. Hogg Mine (The Crystal Empire Gem & Mineral Specimens)
| Address: 4098 Whitesville Rd, LaGrange, GA 30240, United States Email: rockdgr@yahoo.com Operating Hours: Opens after 9 AM during public and private dig schedules | Activities & Prices: -Public Digs at $35 per adult/ Free for kids with a paying adult* -Private Digs at $35 per adult + $100 guide fee** |
Rating:  | Visit Hogg Mine (The Crystal Empire Gem & Mineral Specimens) |
** Contact Hogg Mine Management for bookings
If you’re looking for a dig site suited for a group or field trips, then check out the Hogg Mine in Whitesville Road, Georgia. This federally permitted mine allows you to find rare earth gems like star rose quartz, beryl, aquamarine, and black tourmaline.
You can check out the mine site without reservations during the designated public dig schedules. Just bring your prospecting tools, bucket, safety goggles, and gloves. If you want a private dig for your group, contact their website for a private tour and mining activity. Not only will you learn tons from a true gem mines expert, but you’ll also get guidance on the best places to dig at.
3. The Lilly Pad Village
| Address: 24 Adelaide Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, United States Contact No. +1 706-534-1317 Email: info@lillypadvillage.com Operating Hours: 11 AM to 4 PM daily | Activities & Prices: -Gem Mining starts at $20 -Fishing: $10 for tickets $8 for fishing pole rental $4.95 for a dozen worms -Mini golf at $8 (day pass) / Free for children under 4 with at least one paying adult |
| Rating: | Visit The Lilly Pad Village |
When strategizing vacation itineraries, hitting multiple birds (or, in this case, multiple fun activities) is always the better choice. In that sense, hitting off The Lilly Pad Village in Georgia makes for a wise traveling decision. This dig site allows the whole family to mine for treasures at different quantities depending on your chosen rate.
Then head to the mini-golf and start a tournament with your group. You can even turn some of the precious stones into prizes if you will. But if you want a more restful activity, you can always go for the classic fishing in the pond or just sit quietly at one of their picnic tables.
The Lilly Pad Village is just a short drive away from other Toccoa river spots for dining, day hike, and cabins. Enjoy your closeness to the spruce pines and the scenery along the Blue Ridge Mountains. And if you get hungry, Ellijay is about 20 minutes away and has some great restaurants to choose from!
4. Aska Mining Company
| Address: 8346 Aska Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, United States Contact No. +1 706-258-4854 Email: askaminingco@gmail.com Operating Hours: 10 AM to 5 PMm Tuesday to Sunday | Activities & Prices: -Gem Mining ranges from $10 to $100 depending on the bucket size and gem type -Blue Ridge tubing at Toccoa river* |
| Rating: | Visit Aska Mining Company |
Gem hunting is a great way to bring family and friends closer together, crafting a core-memory-worthy experience. And Aska Mining Company had that in mind when designing their gem mining activities. Get your kids to discover gemstones like rubies, emeralds, garnets, aquamarines, and sapphires as if they’re mining straight from the stream beds or creek beds.
Once you’ve completed your mining adventure, head to their Iron Bridge Cafe and Gift Shop for tasty meals and souvenirs. You can also try their water tubing activity at the Toccoa river if you want something thrilling.
5. Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co.
| Address: 7901 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, United States Contact No. +1 706-878-5065 Operating Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 9 AM to 8 PM (Friday & Saturday) | Activities & Prices: -Gold Panning: Pay dirt bucket price starts at $12 for 30 mins to 1 hour -Gem Mining: Rough bucket price starts at $15 -Fossil and Geode Mining: Geodes at $5 per piece |
| Rating: | Visit Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co. |
The Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co. is under the same management as Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines. So, it’s no surprise they have the same mining activities (with Paydirt bucket at adjusted rates). Both are perfect places for hunting precious gems but choose the Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co. if you want to be near other attractions like the Alpine Mini Golf and Habersham Winery.
You also get more options in the gift shop for custom jewelry and cut stones. Plus, you can buy items such as arts, pottery, and handicrafts.
6. Crisson Gold Mine
| Address: 2736 Morrison Moore Pkwy E, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States Contact No. +1 706-864-6363 Operating Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Sunday) | Activities & Prices: Gold Mining: -Gold Ore at $22.50 per bucket (5 gallons) -Gold Concentrates starts at $50 per bucket (1 gallon of condensed 15 gallons of ore) -Tractor Scoops at $100 to $175 Gemstone Mining: -Non-concentrated bucket at $20 -Wheel barrel is at $60 to $80 -Gemstone Concentrates start at $30 per bucket |
| Rating: | Visit Crisson Gold Mine |
Open except on selected holidays, the Crisson Gold Mine is accessible to families, groups, and practically anyone who wishes to hunt for gold and other treasures. You get the option of experiencing mining from non-concentrated ores and roughs, which makes the experience closer to the actual process. But you can also reduce hard work if you choose the concentrated buckets for gold and gemstones.
What’s fascinating about the Crisson Gold Mine is that they present the real deal in mining for precious stones. You’ll get to see and learn about an authentic Stamp Mill, a machine that dates back to the 1800s and is used to process sedimentary rocks for gold and gems. It’s a piece of historical knowledge you can bring home.
Conclusion of Best Sites for Gem Mining in Georgia Mountains
In recent years, mining and rockhounding sites have become must-visit spots in Georgia. But when choosing a dig site you want to visit, consider its location, tool rentals or package inclusion, schedule, and other activities in the area. Although most mining places and dig sites accommodate walk-in customers without reservations, it’s still best to check the schedule through their website – or better yet, reach out via phone or email.
Other Fun Activities in Georgia You May Also Like…
- Aside from gem mining, why not consider going camping in Georgia State Parks
- You can also spend the day golfing in the North Georgia Mountains or check out Ziplining near Blue Ridge!
