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April 23rd - 25th, 2027 I have been in contact with Junior and Melissa about the spring Rock Swap and Dig. April 23rd - 25th, 2027 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 for gaining access to the mountain, preparation, porta johns, mowing and much more. It takes Junior a lot of time to get the site ready for the digs, sometimes weeks in advance. Venmo and cash can be used at the sign in booth (Top of the hill, first booth on the left) for donations, buying food and t-shirts. CASH is preferred. BRING CASH to tip the cart drivers. They use their own vehicles and gas and provide a great service to the diggers on the mountain. BRING CASH! While some vendors on the mountain may take plastic, many more do not. Do not regret having to leave that special rock specimen behind because you didn't bring CASH. 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 hours: From the time the gate opens (usually by 9am) until 3:45 pm. Gate will be locked at 4pm. Thursday is vendor set up day. Non-vendors can come and dig as long as they participate in the weekends event. Be off the mountain no later than 3:45, the gate will be locked at 4pm.
Friday thru Sunday, 8am till 5:45 pm. Gate will be locked at 6pm. 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 to obtain permission. Hot food and drinks will be available for purchase on the mountain all three days. Graves Mountain Rules/Code of Conduct, READ!!! Park your vehicle in the designated area at the end of the paved access road.
DO NOT park your vehicle on the sides of the hill coming up from the highway unless you get it well off the road.
ALL pets must be kept under control and on a leash. DO NOT cross over any marked off, taped/fenced areas. These sites are marked off limits for safety reasons. If you are caught crossing over these barriers for ANY reason, you will be removed from the mine.
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. (HAND TOOLS ONLY!) STAY AWAY FROM ALL HIGH WALLS! 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!) Everyone needs to be off the mountain by 5:45 p.m. The gate locks at 6pm. Please protect our ability to field collect at Graves Mountain!
Report violations to: Junior Norman Norman C E Wrecking Co 3333 C E Norman Rd Lincolnton, GA 30817-3110 706-401-3173 All reported violations will be held in strict confidence. 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. |
