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GEM MINING

Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, offers an exciting gem mining experience, perfect for families and aspiring treasure hunters.

At the wooden sluice, visitors can sift through mining rough using running water to reveal colorful gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. This hands-on activity provides both fun and education, as guests discover and identify their own sparkling treasures. Whether you’re a child or an adult, gem mining at Highlands Outpost is a thrilling way to experience the excitement of striking it rich in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Little girl with gem doing gem mining at Highlands Outpost near Clemson, SC.
Little boy with gem from gem mining at Highlands Outpost near Greenville, SC.
Mom and daughter doing gem mining near Asheville, NC.
Kids doing gem mining at Highlands Outpost near Clemson, SC.

GEM MINING STATS

GEMS

ASSORTMENT

BUCKET SIZE

1 GALLON

SEASON

MARCH TO MID-OCTOBER

GEM MINING HOURS

EVERY DAY
10AM - 6PM
MARCH 4 & 31
CLOSED
APRIL 1-4, 8, 20-23, & 28-30
CLOSED
MAY 5-7, 12-14, & 19-21
CLOSED
AUGUST 18-20 & 25-27
CLOSED
SEPTEMBER 2-3 & 8-10
CLOSED

Location is closed random days throughout the year. Be sure to check hours on their website to be sure they are open the day(s) you want to visit. 

GEM MINING TICKETS

Tickets are purchase on-site. No reservations required. 

2025 SEASON
ADULT 16+
YOUTH 7-15
CHILD 3-6
1 GALLON BUCKET
$25
$25
$25

DISCOUNTED RATES

  • They offer 1/2 price for locals on Fridays with valid ID. (Macon, Jackson, Clay County)

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Click the link to visit the official website.

Click Here

AMENITIES AVAILABLE AT THIS LOCATION

ON-SITE CONCESSIONS

Light concessions and drinks are avaialable inside the main building.

RETAIL STORE

There is a retail store on-site that offers keepsake items, concessions, and more.

VISIT LOCATION PAGE

Click the link to visit the location page for this activity and learn all about the location.

Click Here

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Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, is home to the Scaly Mountain Screamer, North Carolina’s longest mountain coaster, featuring over 3,800 feet of track with thrilling 360-degree turns and stunning Appalachian Mountain views.

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Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, features a scenic trout fishing pond, offering a relaxing outdoor experience where you only pay for what you catch and they provide everthing you need.

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