Emerald Hollow Mine
Emerald Hollow Mine
4
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
About
The one and only public emerald mine in the world, covering 69 acres.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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7 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
401 reviews
Excellent
179
Very good
108
Average
45
Poor
36
Terrible
33
Ed
Azle, TX1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
I probably should of read the reviews first before I went but I didn’t because I had visited the mine on numerous occasions previously. I hadn’t been a a year or so for various reasons but I was so excited to be going back because I was bringing my five grandchildren here to do a little creeking and sluicing. I was really talking it up the kids on how they would have so much fun creeking. To my surprise, the kids ( ages 4-7) did not find anything worth taking home. Afterwards I found out from one of the employees that they had stop seeding the creek. Said they talk about bad reviews from people about not being natural. Well to a 4 to 7 year old, they really don’t care if it’s natural or not. They just want find pretty rocks so they can brag about it to their friends back home or show it off at school.
I ended up buying the $250 bucket just to be sure my grandkids didn’t go home without something special. I guess Emerald Mine has to decide who they are going to please. The adults who want “natural” gemstone or kids who are happy with finding seeded ones who doesn’t realize they are seeded!
I ended up buying the $250 bucket just to be sure my grandkids didn’t go home without something special. I guess Emerald Mine has to decide who they are going to please. The adults who want “natural” gemstone or kids who are happy with finding seeded ones who doesn’t realize they are seeded!
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry you feel that way. The main issue with seeding the creek is cost and waste of product. We throw in loads of gems and a majority of them just wash down and are never found by customers. There is no need to salt the creek, because there is plenty to find naturally. It is not as easy to find, but that is why we have enriched buckets. We have a bucket for every budget- from $5-$1,000. We really hope you decide to give us another shot.
Written August 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louise
Maryville, TN1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
They should tell you before you pay if you plan to dig your own dirt that you have to walk 1/2 of a mile to the dig site and 1/2 mile back to wash it off. No where in the website this is mentioned. The tools you rent for creeping are a joke your given a plastic garden shovel and told to dig 2 to 3 feet deep this place was terrible. Please look into gold and grubbing at least you will have a good experience there
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Digging that deep in the creek is not required due to erosion. You scoop the sediment around rocks and areas where they would get caught when flowing through the rushing waters. You may dig a little, but not enough to create any large holes. You do have to walk 1/4 of a mile to and from the dig site, and we do not specify this on our website. I apologize for that. We hope to see you again soon!
Written August 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pamela S
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Family
Go! Go! Go! Emerald Hollow Mine is a blast. The staff is awesome - friendly, knowledgeable, and helps you decide which experience you would enjoy - sluicing, creeking, or actual mining. The price are fair. The lapidarist on premises is well known, does incredible work, and has mentored the younger lapidarists there. Prices are incredibly fair. I love going again each time I treck to NC! Go! You will have so much fun.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cheryl e
Hammond, LA67 contributions
Aug 2020
My husband and I went to Emerald Hollow Mine with the plan of staying for a short time. Just wanted to check things out. We ended up creeking and having a great time. We got some beautiful large pieces of quartz. The two guys working there, Daniel and David, said if we can carry it out we can have it. We made several trips to our truck! I love rockhounding and my husband enjoys the relaxation and adventure. David and Daniel were great to work with. Both are very knowledgeable and happy to take the time to share what they know about the rocks we found. It was a great day and I am sure we will be back!
I put 2-3 hours recommended time to stay, but if you love hunting rocks like I do you can’t ever get enough of it!
I put 2-3 hours recommended time to stay, but if you love hunting rocks like I do you can’t ever get enough of it!
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback! It is easy to spend the entire day in the creek. I can see why it's the favorite among guests. We hope you come back to see us soon.
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Written April 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sonia W
2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
We visited Emerald Hollow Mine yesterday it was an amazing day!!! The staff was knowledgeable, they described the rules, and were always there to answer questions. We had a full day of creeping, digging, and sluicing. As a native of NC, raised in Cabarrus county, I have long loved the history of gold and gem mining our state has. Emerald Hollow Mine stayed true to that history and allows people to experience it for themselves. A change of clothes might be a good idea for adults, and is definitely a great idea for kids. We will definitely be back!!!!
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fred g
Weaverville, NC1 contribution
Sep 2020
My wife and I visited The Emerald Hollow Mine on Labor Day weekend 2020. My wife likes to search the creek and sluice at the flume, and I prefer to dig in the digging area. I am disabled and cannot walk or maneuver very well. I asked if there is anyone who could give me a ride up there. A very nice gentleman named Daniel tracked down the keys to the truck, with the help of a couple of other employees. Daniel gave me a ride up to the dig site and noticed that I did not have a full bottle of water. He gave me a bottle of Gatorade that was in the truck to make sure that I had plenty of fluid to keep hydrated. He also left me with a two-way radio in case something unexpected came up. after a while, Daniel radioed me to make sure that I was OK and hydrated. When it was time to come back he called and asked me to be ready to be picked up, which I did. With his help and kindness, I had a very pleasant and stress free time! All of the employees were very helpful, pleasant, and extemely knowledgeable about the minerals. We had a great time and will definately come again! The whole staff were very friendly! Speacial shout out to Daniel, David and L.J.!
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your support. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back and see us!
Written April 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer P
1 contribution
Jul 2021
My daughter and I stopped to kill a little time. We ordered two child buckets, which we knew from previous gem mining experiences would be perfect for us. An employee was a real jerk about it. After we paid and sat down, he told us there was an age limit. I said I didn't know that. He said there is now, that we shouldn't have gotten child buckets. Other than that jerk, we had a great time. The child buckets were actually the perfect size, and we were nearing boredom by the end of them.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We would love to hear more details about your visit, and the opportunity to make it right. Please contact us at info@emeraldhollowmine.com
Written July 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren B
Baltimore, Maryland, United States70 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
It's an experience, but not a fruitful one. It's very over mined, the dig site area is dug. The area roped off that you can dig in is maybe an acre and the dirt is all turned over.
The creeking area is fun to play in a stream. It's pretty zen to sit and sift. We found some small quartz pieces and very small emerald pieces too small to do anything with and low quality.
I recommend Gem Mountain in Spruce Pine NC to really find some treasure.
The creeking area is fun to play in a stream. It's pretty zen to sit and sift. We found some small quartz pieces and very small emerald pieces too small to do anything with and low quality.
I recommend Gem Mountain in Spruce Pine NC to really find some treasure.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee B
Wilmington, NC21 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a special place! It has a great energy and vibe. This is natural and peaceful so take the time to enjoy the surroundings. This isn't Disney! It's an adventure. You need to have a passion for nature and a love of exploring to appreciate the Mine.. Our first day we went "creeking". We had so much fun sifting through the creek bed looking for treasures. The experience took us a million miles away! Do a little homework ahead of time so you have an idea what you're finding. We had some really nice Garnets and Saphires that we didn't realize we had until the helpful staff pointed them out. And I can't say enough about the young men that work there. They really like what they do and have a passion for the Mine and everything it stands for. Thank you to David, Daniel and Jay for all your help and also sharing your knowledge and spirit! Top notch guys! Day 2 we went digging. Again, it was a blast. We came home with so many great pieces of Quartz! Thank you Jason and John for making my husbands birthday weekend one we won't forget! The Mine is a must visit for anyone who loves an adventure!
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your support. We hope to see you again very soon.
Written April 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lanatorell
Newport News, VA46 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Staff was friendly. Found some good sized stones. Got the super bucket $15 but also had to pay $11 each for mining (?) . thought that was for people going to the creek to sluice but must have read that wrong on the website. It was still a nice hour but told we couldn’t walk to the creek to take a look around. Overall a good experience just a little more expensive than planned. The road to the place is gravel & narrow and not really well marked.
Written November 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buckets are not included in the permit price. You must pay for a permit because we are an active mine, so your permit is an extension of ours. You are only permitted on to visit the areas on your permit. Keep in mind, your permit is valid the entire day of purchase. To get the most out of your permit we recommend coming in as early as possible. You can even leave for lunch and return if you would like. We have also widened our driveway since your visit. We hope to see you again soon!
Written April 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
where exactly were you when you found the green crystals? i want to go look for myself.
Larilee
Kennebunk, ME8 contributions
My son is an avid gem collector. For our vacation this year he asked for an "experience" instead of a theme park, which isn't really his thing. Looking for gems would be the perfect vacation for him, so I want to plan a trip to North Carolina. Wondering about the usual stuff - transportation, best hotels, restaurants, any info would be great! Thanks in advance.
Connie L
Venice, FL74 contributions
North Carolina has a ton to offer, and Trip Advisor is the best app to use to find nice hotels, mines and so on. I'd like to offer an alternative. A trip from Maine to North Carolina where you will no doubt try numerous mines is a HUGE birthday present. Have you considered introducing him to gem and mineral mining by purchasing a 'mine at home' bag of gems/'minerals etc.? There are sapphires from Montana, gold dirt from Alaska, I believe bags of 'gravel' (containing 'stuff') from California, and even gravel bags from some of the mines in North Carolia. Just a thought.
wishbig0717
St. Augustine, FL
Let me start by saying I'm a Florida girl through and through! lol I'm wondering if bringing the kid's beach toys could work for tools? Buckets, plastic shovels, and even a plastic sifter? Just a thought as I was reading the suggestions about tools...
tommyprzybylski
Sarasota, FL4 contributions
As a beach-comber myself, I would be cautious with the kids toys, as they are most likely going to break. The bucket would most likely be ok, but there is really no need to bring the sifter as they have them there. The plastic shovel is the biggest concern, as there are a lot of rocks in the creek bed that may cause the shovel to break.
This is a lot different than working the "Florida Beaches" but it is fun
Hope this helps
kdh1553
Statesville, NC
I have MS & I was wondering if I could bring my cart . GrillaCart , from Lowe's. It has tub tires
NCrockhound
Hiddenite, NC
Yes, you are welcome to bring a cart to haul your gear. As a matter of fact, I highly recommend it to those who plan to go digging, since it makes it much easier to haul filled buckets back to the sluiceway to go through. But even if you don't plan to dig, you can still use it. Thanks for asking!
Pamela K
4 contributions
What is the screen in the box?
marykta
chattanooga58 contributions
Different boxes can have different screen holes depending on the size of the stones. At the mine all the digging efforts are taken care of so the screen size will be small and somewhat like screen door materials to help you find small/large gemstones
Amanda S
23 contributions
What is the best place to stay that does not involve camping?
NCrockhound
Hiddenite, NC
For lodging, we suggest Economy Inn 704-873-4000, Hampton Inn 704-883-8380 or Holiday Inn Express 704-978-2800.
How realistic is it to want to find a gem for a wedding band? Or is this too much of a tourist trap for that to be viable.
Camp4Family
Harwood, Maryland, USA55 contributions
I would not recommend gambling on finding a wedding-band worthy gem at Emerald Hollow. Going to the mind would be an interesting and enjoyable experience, but you are unlikely to find the special stone you are looking for.
purlofgreatprice
New Bern, NC
What tools should I bring for digging? Do I bring my own bucket?
Eric M
North Wales, PA22 contributions
You can't use any metal tools in their stream. Don't know why but they won't allow it. We brought a pick, shovels and buckets for digging in the minefield. Bring gloves and don't overfill your bucket - it's a very long walk back to where you can sluice out the material
What's the cost?
Eric M
North Wales, PA22 contributions
Depends on what you want to do there. You can call them with specific questions or find the info on their website
We spent about $60 for 3 of us for the day but did not buy any of their buckets. We mined our own. Be advised, where they allow you to dig is a far distance from where you sluice it out and you are only allowed to carry out one bucket at a time. I think we were only able to do 6 buckets in the whole day.
Tish W
Waterford, MI26 contributions
Coming to Divi on Jan. 22. our flight lands late.. I am paying for the night of the 22.. when we arrive we will for sure be hungry and thirsty. It will be after 6pm. Where can we enjoy a drink and some food that is in our all inclusive plan? Also... seaweed.. do you think it will still be a problem at that time? Does Divi rent bicycles?
DRC847
Virginia18 contributions
The question does not pertain to Hiddenite; they mention seaweed may be a problem?!
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Claim your listingEmerald Hollow Mine - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Emerald Hollow Mine
- Emerald Hollow Mine is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Hotels near Emerald Hollow Mine:
- (2.68 mi) Hiddenite Family Campground
- (5.15 mi) Apple City Bed & Breakfast
- (6.15 mi) Nice retreat, in a quiet neighborhood in the Brushy Mountains!
- (6.89 mi) The Lodges at Brushy Mountain
- (7.07 mi) Possum Ridge Campground
- Restaurants near Emerald Hollow Mine:
- (0.94 mi) The Yellow Deli Hiddenite
- (0.98 mi) Jean's Store and Grill
- (6.56 mi) Apple city bbq
- (4.24 mi) Mexico Viejo
- (5.88 mi) Giovanni's
- Attractions near Emerald Hollow Mine:
- (4.00 mi) Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area
- (4.38 mi) Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center's Lucas Mansion Museum
- (4.64 mi) Serenity At Stony Point Alpaca Farm
- (8.61 mi) Riverbend Park
- (5.51 mi) West Main Antiques