Children are welcome.
Pets are NOT! (nearby neighbors have some rather loud dogs, and this would create a stir.)

Location:  We'll be digging for garnets which are (usually) partially embedded in a mica schist material.  The matrix is somewhat soft, and can be broken apart to extract the garnets (if desired).  Some have been weathered out already and are loose.  The garnets are fairly well formed, and have been found up to 4 inches across.  They are also not too difficult to find, and most of our club members have been able to find at least a dozen (if not a bucket full).  The site is in the trees on a mountain-side.  The site is mostly shaded, but woods invites mosquitos and potentially poison ivy.  Insect repellent is recommended, and steer clear of any 3-leaved plants when choosing a dig site!  Remember to pack water and food.

Meet at:  The green video rental store near the corner of Sweetwater Road and US 25/US 70/SR 213, about 1 mile past (West) of the Marshall US25 Business turnoff.

Minerals found: Almandine garnets

Tools:  The garnets can be found either by digging, breaking sections of the mica schist apart, or sometimes by walking around and turning rocks over.  Suggested tools are a shovel, pick, hammer, chisel and eye wear protection.

Cost:The fee for digging at this location is $5 per person.  A Forsyth Gem & Mineral Club host will be at the site collecting signatures and the fee as you enter the site.  The sign-in should be a maroon colored Chivy van.

Directions:  The site is north of Asheville, NC.  Take I-40, east or west, into Asheville, looking for the I-240 (northern beltway) exit.  Take I-240 to exit 4A, which is US 70 west/US 19 north.  Continue on this highway until you get to the Weaversville/Marshall exit (note combination exit).  Take this exit, and proceed west on US 70 west/US 25 north.  After approximately 13 miles you'll pass through Marshall (bypass, not business district).  About 1 mile past Marshall is a green video rental
store on the left, which is nearly on the corner of Sweetwater Road and US 25/US 70/SR 213.  This is where we'll meet, sign in, and get maps for directions to the mine.