Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Western North Carolina is known for its hills full of hidden treasures. From rubies and sapphires to emeralds and gold, the region ...

With gold prices at an all-time high, illegal gold mining is again rising— a recurring pattern between gold prices and illegal gold mining. Earlier this month, several top-tier news reports covered ...

After the discovery of a 17-pound nugget in Little Meadow Creek, North Carolina, the state became a major hotbed of gold mining as a part of the first American gold rush in 1799. Early discoveries ...

If you're looking for primitive camping, serene beauty, and a bit of history all rolled in one, you won't want to miss this ...

Western North Carolina offers several locations for gem mining and exploration. Emerald Village, near Spruce Pine, allows visitors to dig for gems and go underground. Other popular spots in and around ...