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April 17th - 19th, 2026 I have been in contact with Junior and Melissa about the fall Rock Swap and Dig. April 17th - 19th. The mountain will be open to collecting from 8 am to 5:45 pm each day, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The gate will be locked at 6pm. All attendees must stop at the welcome table each day to sign a liability release and make a contribution/donation to help with the cost of providing porta johns and golf carts. You must fill out a new release form for each day that you attend the dig. The dig will end, and everyone must be off the mountain by 5:45 p.m. Gate will be locked at 6pm. Detailed show hours: Thursday (Vendor set up day); From the time the gate opens (usually by 9am) until 3:45 pm. Gate will be locked at 4pm. Friday thru Sunday, 8am till 5:45 pm. Gate will be locked at 6pm. Thursday is vendor set up day. There will be an area in the parking lot for vendors to sell and trade minerals. If you would like to set up a booth, contact Junior at 706-401-3173. Non-vendors can come and dig as long as they participate in the weekends event. Be off the mountain no later than 3:45 on Thursday, the gate will be locked at 4pm. Hot food, drinks and Graves Mountain T-Shirts will be available for purchase at the sign-in booth on the mountain all three days. Graves Mountain Rules/Code of Conduct! No open toed shoes are allowed at the Graves Mountain site. This goes for children and adults. No flip flops, sandals, crocs, etc. All attendees must wear closed toed shoes and/or boots. Park your vehicle in the designated area at the end of the paved access road. No one is allowed to drive their vehicle on any part of Graves Mountain beyond the parking area! (The caretaker must accompany anyone driving beyond the parking area!) ALL pets must be kept under control and on a leash. Children are welcome during the rock swap and dig under adult supervision. Small children must be supervised at all times! Children are not allowed to run wild all over the mine. If you cannot control your kids, leave them at home! The caretaker, Junior Norman has final and absolute say as to where you may safely work. Ladders or power tools of any kind will not be allowed. This includes: Gas, battery, electric, or nuclear powered. (HAND TOOLS ONLY!) STAY AWAY FROM ALL HIGH WALLS! Everyone needs to be off the mountain by 3:45 p.m. on Thursday and 5:45 p.m. Friday - Sunday. Please protect our ability to field collect at Graves Mountain! DIRECTIONS: From Washington Georgia, drive east 11 miles on SR-378, look for mine entrance on right. From the Hardees in Lincolnton, Georgia, drive approximately 5-1/2 miles west on SR-378. Look for the sign at the entrance to Graves Mountain on the left side of the road. Motels and Camping: Soap Creek Marina, Cabins and Camping. 706-359-4100. 3000 Soap Creek Lodge Road. Elijah Clark State Park, 706-359-3458 / 800-864-7275 American Legion Camping: 1121 American Legion RD.
Lincolnton GA. 30817. Contact: Eric Kenerly, 727-710-0322, Text message preferred. More Info for American Legion: Cost, $25/night/tent or camper (price per campsite regardless of number in tent). Temporary showers will be set up. Location approximately 7 miles from the dig. In town for easy shopping. They did run additional power and have limited electric available. Portable restrooms available. Fire pits available. Pet's and service animals are ok but must be on a lead. |
