2026-06-20T23:43:18.901Z

Fantastic family experience once again from Mason mountain mine and COWEE gift shop. Tom and Ginger were wonderful hosts and helped us identify gems found. The grandchildren had a great time as well. Definitely worth the trip and time spent there. We even purchased gem dirt to go. We highly recommend his family friendly gem mine and gift shop. 5 star all the way for sure.

2026-06-12T13:58:44.390Z

Highly Recommended! Unsalted soil found lots of rubies,garnets and kyanite!Someone found a really nice sized sapphire while I was there!Family friendly with an awesome gift shop! You won't be disappointed!

2026-06-07T14:06:56.859Z

Fun place just make sure you remember the way you came because you lose signal. It's Messy Red/orange mud water but if you plan on spending the day then going back to wash up before going anywhere else you're good. They have a dig yourself Rate where you can dog all day or a bucket they pre dug and added a few handfuls of extras (All Natural no polished Temu looking fake trash here) My husband and I shared a 5 gallon Pre Dug bucket together took maybe an hour. Just remember You'll get Dirty bring Something to do a wipe down after it looks like self tanner/dookie all over.

2026-06-06T16:16:57.305Z

Yesterday, we (me, husband, and 3 kids ages 12, 13, and 15) spent the afternoon at Mason Mountain Mine, and it was the perfect way to finish our summer vacation in the Appalachians. We had an absolutely wonderful time! We wanted an authentic experience searching for native minerals, but since we would be driving for several hours afterward, wanted to go somewhere that we wouldn’t get TOO dirty, or at least somewhere that had decent facilities for cleaning up afterward. Mason Mountain Mine fit the bill perfectly! I love the fact that we were able to fill buckets with fresh native diggings without having to go all the way to the mine ourselves (in fact, during the 4 hours we were there, they brought a fresh dump truck load of dirt 2 different times!). We did the $40 unlimited buckets native dig pile ($40 for adults, $20 for kids 6-12, and under 6 is free with paid adult). The pile is right by the end of the flume, with plenty of shovels available, plenty of buckets, and plenty of dollies that can be used to transport your full buckets back to your spot at the flume if needed. It literally took me about 2 minutes to take my bucket to the pile, fill it, and get back to the flume - so my time was spent finding treasures instead of having to use time digging dirt from the mine and hauling it back (a longer distance) to the flume. So I really do think their setup is the best of both worlds - you’re digging fresh, unsalted dirt from a native mine, but minimal effort needed to get the dirt to the flume. (They do also have salted options to make things more exciting for kids, or for anyone who would like something extra in their bucket). Tom and Ginger are wonderful - Ginger was super helpful getting us started and teaching us what to look for. We found Rhodolite garnets, corundum (rubies and sapphires), kyanite, and probably more (I am still on the road now and haven’t been able to fully clean and sort through all of my treasures!). Literally every sieve load had at least one small “keeper”, and most sieve loads had several keepers! When we were done, we were able to use their spacious and clean bathroom to clean up and change clothes so we could get on the road. Overall, I would 1000% recommend Mason Mountain Mine & Cowee Gift Shop, and I really hope I get to come back one day!

2026-06-06T02:36:13.565Z

If I could give this establishment 10 stars, I would. After driving 6 hours with 3 boys to North Carolina I had some time to research our choices for panning we decided on Mason Moutain Mine! Everyone down at the station was so friendly and helpful. The ladies in the gift shop were AMAZING. The prices were very reasonable in the gift shop and to do the actual panning for gems! I cannot recommend this business enough. I cannot wait to go back!

2026-05-14T23:21:54.026Z

Absolutely the best place to visit!! The owners were so amazing!! Super kind and helpful. We found about 60 sapphires and rubies in one day!!! Of all the places I’ve visited in the area, this is the best!!

2026-05-04T11:55:35.964Z

Best mine around for rubies and sapphires accompanying a great shop with the true treasure being the folks that work there. Every trip there is an adventure!

2026-05-02T16:55:47.200Z

The staff are very helpful to new rock hounds. They will show you all you need to know to get started. This is a great family adventure!