Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
- Address: 971 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719
- Phone: (828) 497-6574
- Website: None
- Type: Attraction | Gem Mining
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Admission: $
- Hours:
- March thru November
- Daily | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Weather permitting; call ahead
Why Go: Pan for real gold, rubies, sapphires, and other gems in covered flumes – a fun, hands-on family adventure right in Cherokee.
About Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine
Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine is Cherokee’s premier gem mining attraction. Visitors sluice through buckets of pre-salted dirt to uncover genuine rubies, sapphires, emeralds, garnets, gold, and more.
Located on Tsali Boulevard (Hwy 441) just south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, this tourist-friendly mine provides all equipment and covered flumes with seating.
After mining, bring your finds to the on-site assay office for identification and visit the gift shop or lapidary for polishing and jewelry setting.
Getting to Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine
Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine is located at 971 Tsali Blvd in Cherokee. It sits directly on Highway 441 about ½ mile south of the national park entrance. Plenty of parking is available on-site.
Why Choose Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine
Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine offers an easy, covered, family-friendly gem mining experience with no entry fee — just pay for the bucket size you want. It’s one of the largest and most convenient mines in Cherokee.
Perfect for all ages, with everything supplied and fun results guaranteed.
Highlights
Signature experiences at Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine include these visitor favorites.
- Real Gem Mining: Pan for rubies, sapphires, gold, emeralds, and more.
- Covered Flumes: Comfortable, weather-protected sluicing with seating.
- All Equipment Provided: No need to bring anything.
- On-Site Assay Office: Free gem identification.
- Lapidary & Gift Shop: Polish finds and buy jewelry.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Great activity for kids and all ages.
What to Expect
Expect a fun, hands-on gem mining experience with real treasures and no entry fee.
- Choose from various bucket/bag sizes.
- Covered flumes with seating for all weather.
- Free equipment and gem identification.
- Gift shop and jewelry services on-site.
- Seasonal operation March–November.
- Popular family activity near the national park.
Nearby Attractions in Cherokee
After your gem mining adventure, explore these other great attractions in Cherokee.
- Oconaluftee Indian Village: Living history showing traditional Cherokee life.
- Museum of the Cherokee People: Powerful exhibits on Cherokee history and culture.
- Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual: Authentic Cherokee-made art and crafts.
- Sequoyah National Golf Club: Scenic championship golf course on tribal land.
- Fire Mountain Trails: Multi-use mountain bike and hiking trails.
Explore More
Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine is your gateway to a full Cherokee experience. After your visit, explore the area’s many attractions and outdoor activities.
- Address: 971 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719
- Phone: (828) 497-6574
- Website: None
- Type: Attraction | Gem Mining
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Admission: $
- Hours:
- March thru November
- Daily | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Weather permitting; call ahead
Why Go: Pan for real gold, rubies, sapphires, and other gems in covered flumes – a fun, hands-on family adventure right in Cherokee.
About Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine
- Hands-on gem mining for real rubies, sapphires, gold, and more.
- Covered flumes with seating for all weather.
- All equipment provided at no extra cost.
- Free gem identification at assay office.
- On-site gift shop and lapidary services.
- Seasonal March–November operation.
Getting to Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine
- Located at 971 Tsali Blvd in Cherokee.
- Directly on Hwy 441, ½ mile south of national park entrance.
- Ample on-site parking.
Why Choose Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine
- Easy family-friendly gem mining with covered flumes.
- No entry fee – pay only for the bucket you choose.
- All equipment and seating provided.
- Convenient location right on the main highway.
- Great activity near other Cherokee attractions.
Highlights
- Real Gem Mining: Pan for rubies, sapphires, gold, emeralds, and more.
- Covered Flumes: Comfortable, weather-protected sluicing with seating.
- All Equipment Provided: No need to bring anything.
- On-Site Assay Office: Free gem identification.
- Lapidary & Gift Shop: Polish finds and buy jewelry.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Great activity for kids and all ages.
What to Expect
- Choose from various bucket/bag sizes.
- Covered flumes with seating for all weather.
- Free equipment and gem identification.
- Gift shop and jewelry services on-site.
- Seasonal operation March–November.
- Popular family activity near the national park.
Nearby Attractions in Cherokee
After your gem mining adventure, explore these other great attractions in Cherokee.
- Oconaluftee Indian Village: Living history showing traditional Cherokee life.
- Museum of the Cherokee People: Powerful exhibits on Cherokee history and culture.
- Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual: Authentic Cherokee-made art and crafts.
- Sequoyah National Golf Club: Scenic championship golf course on tribal land.
- Fire Mountain Trails: Multi-use mountain bike and hiking trails.
Explore More
Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine is your gateway to a full Cherokee experience. After your visit, explore the area’s many attractions and outdoor activities.
Disclaimer
My Smoky Mountain Guide aims to provide accurate, up-to-date information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, using reputable sources. However, details about events, attractions, trails, or businesses may change without notice due to factors like weather or park policies. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of our content. Visitors should verify details with official sources, such as the National Park Service or local businesses, before planning. My Smoky Mountain Guide is not liable for inaccuracies, omissions, or consequences from using this information. You are responsible for your own decisions based on our content. For feedback or corrections, please contact us.
