Gold Hill Mines Historic Park

North Carolina and gold mining don't seem like they should go together but in the 1830s and 40s gold mining was a big industry with hundreds of mines employing thousands of people. The cost of recovering the gold and competition from mines in the west ended the gold boom but there are a few small mines operating today.

Most of the gold is located in the Carolina Slate Belt which runs diagonally across the middle of the state. The belt consists of 550-650 million year old volcanic and sedimentary rock which was formed by of a chain of underwater volcanic islands. Super heated water deposited minerals in the cracks of the rocks as both the water and the rocks cooled. 

The Gold Mines Historic Park consists of  a loop trail, part of a rail trail, a few historic buildings, two mine shafts, a Chilean Ore Mill, a powder houses, and interpretive signs. We missed the loop trail because we did not realize that we had to cross the street to access it. 

Very little is wheelchair accessible. The path to the Chilean Ore Mill and the Miller mine shaft is across lumpy, grassy terrain. The interpretive signs are on a platform with a step up.  The interpretive signs are too high to be easily read from a seated position. The rail trail which travels south from the town of Gold Hill goes through the woods and crosses Old Beatty Ford Road before coming to a steep valley that must be scrambled down and back up to finish the trail. The trail to the valley is accessible with help. The road is elevated so there are steep banks on either side which can not be navigated without assistance. 

The town of Gold Hill is a tiny place with shops and restaurants.  Most of it is not accessible due to steps and uneven boardwalks.

RVs and cars can be parked at the Methodist Church. Park  35.51115, -80.34622