Balsam Gap Mine — Rockhounding in Jackson County, North Carolina
Balsam Gap Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jackson County, North Carolina. Reported finds include magnesite, albite, allanite, green beryl, columbite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.
Map showing Balsam Gap Mine in Jackson County, North Carolina
Quick details
- Access
- Public area
- County
- Jackson County
- State
- North Carolina
- Nearest road
- Dark Ridge Road
- Postcode
- 28799
- Coordinates
- 35.42400, -83.09848
Land & collecting status
Generally open to casual rockhounding
Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.
Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.
Sources & verification
Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.
State guidance last verified:
- North Carolina Geological Survey
- Nantahala/Pisgah National Forests
- Emerald Hollow Mine (fee-dig operator)
- Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules
Found at Balsam Gap Mine
Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.
Nearby rockhounding spots
Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Balsam Gap Mine.
- Roberson RidgeHaywood County, North Carolina · 6 mi awayAnkerite, Apatite, Biotite
- TuckasegeeJackson County, North Carolina · 10 mi awayGolden Beryl
- Shinning Rock LedgeHaywood County, North Carolina · 14 mi awayRose Quartz
- Rockhound Ridge Gem MineJackson County, North Carolina · 15 mi away
- Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire MineMacon County, North Carolina · 18 mi awayRuby, Sapphire
- Sheep Knob MountainMacon County, North Carolina · 18 mi awayAquamarine
- Pink Beds Picnic AreaTransylvania County, North Carolina · 19 mi awaySmoky Quartz
- Pressley MineHaywood County, North Carolina · 19 mi awayCorundum, Sapphire
Across the state line from Balsam Gap Mine
Balsam Gap Mine is close enough to the North Carolina border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.
- Rag MountainCocke County, Tennessee · 27 mi awayUnakite
- Mine RidgeCocke County, Tennessee · 28 mi awayCopper, Iron, Lead
- Big CreekCocke County, Tennessee · 29 mi awayGreen Quartz
- GatlinburgSevier County, Tennessee · 30 mi awayQuartz, Gemstones
- Laurel Creek MineRabun County, Georgia · 33 mi awayCorundum
- Del RioCocke County, Tennessee · 34 mi awayUnakite
Balsam Gap Mine FAQ
Where is Balsam Gap Mine?+
What rocks and minerals can you find at Balsam Gap Mine?+
Is collecting allowed at Balsam Gap Mine?+
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More rockhounding in North Carolina
See all 198 North Carolina spots →Open Balsam Gap Mine on the map
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