Explore The Joy Of Gem Hunting

CAVE IS NOW CLOSED - TAILINGS OPEN - MUST BRING YOUR OWN TOOLS

By Horseback

Upon arrival at the Little Pine Gem Mine, on our three-hour tour, you will have a chance to dig for garnets in the tailings and enjoy a picnic lunch if you decide to bring one. Your guide will show you what garnets look like in the rough and will assist you in digging for them. We provide tools for horseback customers only. The garnets are gem quality, and you keep what you find!

By Car - $50.00 (per person) Full Day $25.00 (per person) Half day

For those who do not want to horseback ride to the mine, the mine is accessible by car with a short walk. You cannot drive all the way to the mine. Tools are not provided. You must bring your own tools. Check in is at the horseback riding office. We are open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. One Gallon Limit!!!

It is not hard to see why my great grandfather settled in this location over a hundred years ago! You will never forget your North Carolina horseback riding experience at Sandy Bottom trail rides.

MAKE A RESERVATION

CALL NOW

DIRECTIONS

It is not hard to see why my great grandfather settled in this location over a hundred years ago! You will never forget your North Carolina horseback riding experience at Sandy Bottom trail rides.

MAKE A RESERVATION

CALL NOW

DIRECTIONS

Customer Reviews

I would also recommend the 3 hour tour. Trails gave you plenty of different types of terrain but nothing too challenging. My 8 yo daughter had no problem on her own and was matched well with the horse as was I. We unfortunately could not go into the gem mine but there are still plenty of garnet in the tailings around mine. The horses seemed to be well taken care of and they seems to be pretty organized there. - Matthew S.

Terms of Service

We are currently open for business and following North Carolina safety guidelines.

TOS: Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance of the scheduled reservations, or you will be charged in full.

Please arrive at least 30 mins early. If you arrive after your start time your tour may be cut short.

More Info

IMPORTANT! Make sure you include the city name and/or zip when you search for us using GPS. The street address by itself could refer to us or to another establishment two hours from here.

* Children 5 years and under may ride double with a parent 1/2 price.

*Private rides
$25 extra per person for the 1st hour
$35 extra per person for the 2nd hour
$45 extra per person for the 3rd hour

Directions & Hours

Hours of Operation

Open Mon - Sat 8:30am - 4pm| Closed Sundays
Except Holiday Weekends
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter Day

Contact Info

(828)649-3464

(800)959-3513

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
1459 Caney Fork Road
Marshall, NC 28753