What are people digging for at Falls Lake State Park? (Raleigh: safety, rich)

[sistersville]

When I drive on Hwy 98 (Durham Highway) in Wake Forest, I often pass a hillside that is part of Falls Lake State Park where there are cars parked and people out on the hill digging around big rocks. Does anyone know what they are looking for?

[thelark]

oooooooooooh............. where are my car keys, I'm off a treasure huntin'

[clj2]

do they have metal detectors? My curiosity is aroused now..

[Andy64]

I think its some sort of gem stones that are there, can't recall which. Its not going to make anyone rich unfortunately.

[Finns2000]

Garnets. That's Garnet Hill.

[Eagle Scout]

Garnet Hill In Raleigh, NC; Or; The World's Largest Source Of Gem-Quality Garnet Stones, & They're Free!

[nelly76]

wow, I love garnets. I should make a stop

[dansdrive]

Just be careful all the other day when I was passing I saw a lady crossing Rt98 with her two Little children which scared the speed right out of me. The Garnets are really nice but risking ones safety for a rock is just not Diamond full!

BE CAREFUL PLEASE as cars are going by that area 60+ MPH and not worried about gem pickers!!

[sistersville]

Thanks so much! I've really been wondering what they were doing and it seems as if there are always cars behind me so that I can't slow down and ask them what they are doing. Are there other areas around here that are similar with other gemstones? This sounds like a fun thing to do with the kids as long as you are careful about it.

[NcerfromNY]

I don't know of any other areas like it - the coolest parts, imo, are that it was a totally accidental find (when 98 was blasted and built), and that it's public land - anyone can go looking. My recommendation to anyone who is interested - go after a heavy rainfall, it's much easier to simply pick up the garnets from the ground. Seriously, that easy! My 5 year old LOVES doing this, and there are often boy/girl scout troups that go as well. Park on the same side of the street though!!