Gem Mining in Eastern Tennessee Near Gatlinburg?

We are traveling from Mississippi to Gatlinburg in August and would like to check out some gem mining we%26#39;ve heard about; but, everything I%26#39;ve found looks like the only place to do this is in Franklin Tennessee which does not appear to be very close to Gatlinburg or even on the way to Gatlinburg from Mississippi. Is there somewhere closer to Gatlinburg to mine or is Franklin really not that far from Gatlinburg? Thanks y%26#39;all!!

Gem Mining in Eastern Tennessee Near Gatlinburg?

I think you are thinking about Franklin, NC which is a very popular gem mining town. It%26#39;s about 70 miles from Gatlinburg.

franklin-chamber.com/visitorInformation/gemM…

and

http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/index.php

Gem minng is also available in Cherokee, NC, which is about 40 miles from Gatlinburg. http://www.smgrm.com/