Gem Mining in the Blue Ridge Mountains
There’s something about finding your own gemstone that never gets old — no matter how old you are.
At Bear Creek Adventures, our covered gem mining sluice gives you the chance to sift through real mining rough and uncover genuine gemstones, fossils, shark teeth, arrowheads, and more. It’s hands-on, unhurried, and one of those activities that quietly becomes the highlight of the trip.
The sluice is covered, so you’re shaded and comfortable even on a warm mountain afternoon. Just scoop, rinse, and see what turns up.
How It Works
Pick a bucket of mining rough from our selection — each one is packed with real gemstones, fossils and arrowheads sourced from around the world. Pour it into your screen tray, dip it into the flowing water of the sluice, and watch the sand wash away. What’s left is yours to keep.
Every bag comes with an identification card so you can figure out exactly what you found, plus a take-home collection bag to keep your treasures safe.
Choose Your Adventure
We offer a range of bags to fit different ages, budgets, and levels of enthusiasm. Start simple or go all in — either way, you’re going home with something real.
| Package | Price | What’s Inside |
|---|---|---|
| Paydirt | $9.95 | 6+ oz of real gemstones, ID card, take-home bag |
| Fossil Find | $9.95 | 4+ oz of fossils, ½ oz shark teeth, ID card, take-home bag |
| Arrowheads | $9.95 | 4–6 arrowheads, ID card, take-home bag |
| Lucky Strike | $16.95 | 9+ oz of real gemstones, ID card, take-home bag |
| Mother Lode | $29.95 | 10+ oz gemstones, 4 oz fossils, ½ oz shark teeth, 2 arrowheads, 1 large amethyst, ID cards, take-home bags |
| Mega Strike | $59.95 | 20+ oz gemstones, 4 oz fossils, 6–10 shark teeth, 2 arrowheads, 1 mega amethyst, 1 large crystal point, ID cards, take-home bags |
| Claim Jumper | $119.95 | 2½+ lbs gemstones, 1+ lb fossils, 1½ oz shark teeth, 4 arrowheads, large crystal point, large geode, 2 mega amethysts, ID cards, take-home bags |
Make a Day of It
The gem mine pairs naturally with a round of mini golf next door. Most families do both — and plenty of kids spend the back nine still talking about what they found in the sluice.
Immerse yourself in the experience as you wash away the sand in our authentic covered mining sluice and uncover the hidden gems. This fun-filled activity not only lets you mimic the old-fashioned gold panning but also provides a fascinating lesson in history and geology. It’s an activity that is suitable for all ages, guaranteeing a great time for everyone. Each bag also comes with an identification card and collection bag, so you can keep track of your findings.
So, put on your miner’s hat and get ready for an adventure unlike any other. Good luck and happy mining, folks! Click here if you would like more information about the different types of gems you can find at Bear Creek Adventures Gem Mine.
