Ga Mountains Guide

Panning for Gold in North Georgia

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Did you know that parts of North Georgia were once home to one of the USA’s earliest and largest gold rushes? Although the high-production days of the Dahlonega gold rush have long passed, there are many ways to sift through the rich history and lasting legacy of Georgia’s gold industry.

Panning for Gold in Georgia

Panning for Gold in Georgia

Whether you prefer to visit historic gold sites, venture into local gold panning attractions, or find your own places to pan for gold in North Georgia, there are great options for everyone to enjoy!

 

Gold in GA

Although Native Americans had known of gold in North Georgia since the 1700s, the natural resource went largely unnoticed until European settlers discovered gold near Dahlonega in 1828.

 

History of Gold in Georgia

After news spread of gold in the area, gold prospectors started arriving to stake their claims, and Georgia’s gold rush began in 1829. By the spring of 1830, 4,000 people were working along the Yahoola Creek alone.

 

Map of the Georgia Gold Belts from 1909

Map of the Georgia gold belts from 1909

 

During the Gold Lottery of 1832, Georgia distributed gold-producing land previously owned by Cherokees to eligible state residents. Tensions increased between the two groups, and though the Cherokees ultimately won a court case upholding their sovereignty, it did not stop the forced Cherokee Removal of 1838 on the Trail of Tears.

Meanwhile, the booming gold rush towns suffered from a limited circulation of currency, and in 1835, Congress authorized the federal Branch Mint at Dahlonega. The Dahlonega Mint opened in 1838 and produced almost 1.5 million gold coins until closing 31 years later.

The mining industry started to suffer when deposit yields dropped in the early 1840s. The 1848 discovery of gold in California then drove many miners to seek their fortunes out west. Georgia’s gold industry took a further blow during the Civil War, and the Dahlonega Mint closed in 1861.

Although the heyday of Georgia’s Gold Rush has long passed, commercial mining continued into the 20th century, and panning for gold is still popular today.

 

Historic Gold Sites in North GA

There are many gold-related historical sites throughout the North Georgia mountains.

 

Chestatee Diving Bell

The 1875 Chestatee River diving bell is a unique example of innovative gold mining methods from almost 150 years ago. Visit this free outdoor exhibit to see this diving bell that was hidden at the bottom of the Chestatee River for over a century.

 

Dahlonega Gold Museum

Exhibit at Dahlonega Gold Museum in North Georgia - photo ExploreGeorgia.org

Gold Mining Exhibit at Dahlonega Gold Museum, Georgia [photo ExploreGeorgia.org]


Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum for a great introduction to the history of gold in Dahlonega and North Georgia. The museum is located literally in the middle of Dahlonega’s town square in the former Lumpkin County Courthouse. The courthouse was built in 1836 and is one of the oldest courthouse buildings in Georgia.

 

Historical Markers in North Georgia

As you travel through North Georgia’s gold country, note (or stop at) the numerous gold-related historical markers along the way, including Gold Diggers Road, Findley Ridge, and more.

 

Gold Attractions in North Georgia

Enjoy a fun family activity and the potential to strike it rich! These local gold panning attractions make it easy to experience the thrill of panning for gold in North Georgia.

 

Gold Mine Exhibits with Gold Panning Attractions in North GA

These attractions include gold mining exhibits in addition to gold and gem panning.

 

Consolidated Gold Mine

Consolidated Gold Mine Dahlonega, GA

Consolidated Gold Mine Dahlonega, GA [photo ExploreGeorgia.org]


Consolidated Gold Mine in Dahlonega GA was founded in 1896 and is the largest hard rock gold mine east of the Mississippi. Enjoy mine tours, gold panning, gemstone mining, and gem cutting in this mine that goes 200 feet underground! Watch your guide demonstrate how miners blasted quartz veins to uncover huge deposits of gold at Consolidated Mine, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Crisson Gold Mine

Crisson Gold Mine Georgia was established in 1847 as an open-pit gold mine and was in commercial operation until the 1980s. View their antique equipment, including a 130-year-old stamp mill (rock crusher) still used for crushing quartz rock containing gold. For those looking to take their gold panning hobby to the next level, Crisson Gold Mine is the largest dealer of mining equipment in the southeast.

Enjoy gold panning, gem grubbing, wagon rides, and bring lunch to enjoy on their picnic tables. Plus, if you think you may have found gold on your property, bring your own quartz and use the rock crusher to see if you have gold on your own property (inquire about current pricing and availability).

 

Gold Panning Attractions in North GA

How to panning for gold Dahlonega Ga

Learn How to Pan for Gold and Gems [photo ExploreGeorgia.org]

These gold panning attractions allow visitors to purchase a pre-filled bucket of gems and gold. Take your bucket to their panning/sifting areas to search for treasures in your bucket.

 

Aska Mining Company

Aska Mining Company is located on the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge and offers gold panning, gem mining, river floats (Toccoa River tubing), a gift shop, and a café. The veteran-owned business provides a 10% discount for active and retired veterans, law enforcement officers, and first responders.

 

Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines

Pan for gold and gems at this mine and shop for local treats in the gift shop. Gold comes from nearby Dukes Creek – the site of the first major Gold Rush in the USA.

 

Gold’ n Gem Grubbin’

NOTE: the Mining and Camping location is closed until further notice, but gold buckets and gem bags may still be purchased in their online store.

Gold’ n Gem Grubbin’ was North Georgia’s last commercially operating Gold Mine. Formerly a productive part of the Loud Mine, which supplied $2M of the $7M of minted gold bullion coins at the nearby Dahlonega Mint.

 

Outpost Gold and Gem

Outpost Gold and Gem Helen GA

Outpost Gold and Gem Helen GA

Search for treasure in your choice of buckets of gold, gemstones, and fossils. Shop at the on-site Southwestern outpost and gift shop.

 

Talking Rock General

Enjoy gold panning, gemstone mining, and fossil digs. Gift shop and ice cream on-site.

 

Gold Panning in North Georgia

There are many places and ways to find gold in the North Georgia mountains. Find the option that best suits your group’s preferences and head out to strike gold!

 

Public Gold Prospecting Locations in North GA

Some local prospectors will tell you that there is gold in about every creek and river in North Georgia. Indeed, Georgia’s gold can be found along gold belt deposits in many areas of North Georgia, including:

  • Rivers: Chattahoochee River, Chestatee River, Etowah River, Little River, Nacoochee River, Tallapoosa River
  • Creeks: Baggs Creek, Calhoun Creek, Canton Creek, Cavender Creek, Coosa Creek, Dukes Creek, James Creek, McClusky Creek, Sixes Creek, Tesnatee Creek, Yahoola Creek, plus many other unnamed creeks and tributaries of the rivers
  • Mines: most area mines are no longer commercially mining for gold, but some do offer tours or special dig events

 

Dukes Creek Panning for Gold in Georgia Mountains

Dukes Creek was an early hot spot for gold panning in the Georgia Mountains

Recreational panning for gold is allowed in stream beds in the National Forests as long as significant stream disturbance does not occur and when only a small hand shovel or trowel and a pan are used.

Note that when panning within the US Forest Service, you may not collect for commercial purposes, and in-stream sluices and suction dredges are not allowed. Visit the US Forest Service website to learn more about gold panning, rockhounding, and fossil collecting in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

To determine whether a stream’s mineral rights are publicly or privately owned or if there are any restrictions, call the Blue Ridge District Ranger at +1 (706) 745-6928 or the Chattooga River District Ranger at +1 (706) 754-6221.

Gold prospecting maps may help save time finding suitable gold panning locations. Learn more about Georgia gold maps from Gold Trek Maps and Gold Maps.

 

Private Gold Prospecting Locations in North GA

More serious gold hunters should consider joining one of the gold prospecting associations. Membership in these clubs usually includes access to private leased lands where members can search for gold. Visit the websites of Weekend Gold Miners, Gold Prospectors Association of America, or Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association to learn about the unique benefits of membership in these clubs.

Always follow local laws and respect personal property rights. Do not search for gold on private property without explicit permission.

 

Cabin Rentals Where You Can Pan for Gold

These North Georgia mountain rental properties allow budding prospectors to pan for gold right at home!

 

Dog-Friendly Renovated Cabin on Chestatee River
Dog-Friendly Rental on Chestatee River includes Several Pans for Gold Panning

Dog-Friendly Rental on Chestatee River includes Several Pans for Gold Panning

The Chestatee River Retreat vacation rental in North Georgia is located directly on the Chestatee River and is large enough to sleep 12 people. Includes several gold pans you can use to pan for gold directly on the property (at least 2 guests have already found gold at the property!). This location near Dahlonega is within 5 miles of local attractions, including a vineyard and zoo.

 

Restored Vintage Farmhouse Cottage on Horse Farm with Creek

The Flying Duck Farmhouse is a restored vintage farmhouse on 160 private acres at the foot of the Three Sisters Mountains. Enjoy a short walk to the large deck overlooking a stream — a perfect spot to pan for gold or have evening cocktails in the hammock or rocking chairs.

Restored Vintage Farmhouse Cottage Rental with Stream to Pan for Gold

Restored Vintage Farmhouse Cottage Rental with Stream to Pan for Gold

The location is less than 4 miles from downtown Dahlonega, near multiple vineyards and local attractions (Consolidated Gold Mine is 3.3 miles away). No smoking, no parties, and no pets are allowed in this North Georgia rental.

 

North Georgia Gold Map

Use the interactive map below to find unique gold attractions in the Georgia mountains.

 

Additional North Georgia Gold Resources

Use these additional resources for gold panning in North Georgia!

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Panning for Gold in North Georgia

Panning for Gold in North Georgia

What is your favorite place to hunt for gold in North Georgia?

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88 Responses

  1. Robert says:
    May 11, 2022 at 8:20 am

    Hello,

    It states that one is allowed to prospect and pan for surface gold in Federal National Parks, but when I reviewed the BLM website, this is not allowed….

    Can I get some clarification posts…Just wanna hit Unicoi and pan for some shiney stuff…hehehehe

    *** Dont wanna get hit with a fine or jail time, though….

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 16, 2022 at 10:14 am

      Hi Robert, I’m not sure what you are referring to with regards to federal National Parks, but this article does not suggest that panning for gold is legal in National Parks (or state parks). In fact, I suspect that it is not legal at all.

      Please go to the US Forest Service website where it states that “recreational panning for gold in most stream beds is allowed.” This refers to US National Forests only (which are different from National Parks). It is also requested that you contact the local District Ranger office to determine whether the mineral rights of a stream are publicly or privately owned or if there are any restrictions on the stream.

      To summarize, while recreational panning for gold is allowed in US National Forests, there are restrictions on some streams within the US National Forests. The phone numbers of the district rangers in North Georgia are included in the article — please contact them to inquire about the location(s) you have chosen.

      Hope this helps! Enjoy!!

      Reply
  2. Michael Cater says:
    April 21, 2022 at 8:07 am

    Im glad I found this site. I live in Mississippi but have a house in Dahlonega. My property meets National forrest on two sides and the Yahoola Creek runs through it. I have flown a drone for a mile both directions and it appears like its sections of the Yahoola thats never been explored . Id love to talk with anyone who has experience on the Yahoola and maybe pointers on where to look.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      April 25, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      Hi Michael! Your house sounds like it’s in an amazing location and in a great place to look for gold. I’d recommend that you look into the local gold prospecting associations (there are links to 3 of them above) to find the detailed knowledge and experience that you are looking for. Enjoy!!

      Reply
  3. Coyalita Linville says:
    April 1, 2022 at 7:46 pm

    I absolutely love this guided tour through Georgia! I am a history buff and love reading history. The perfection you have put in it with the story lines, maps, phone numbers, locations are excellent! What an adventure that would be for any historical tourist. Hands down the site is awesome!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      April 2, 2022 at 1:09 pm

      Aww, thank you so much! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the article and I hope it’s helped you to chart the perfect adventure!!

      Reply
  4. Louise Allen says:
    February 10, 2022 at 9:24 am

    This is something my youngest son would enjoy doing and it seems to be a very popular activity even over here in the UK.

    I love the idea too that you have mentioned a few places where people can stay and have the panning for gold included in their trip. The places looks stunning too! Very tranquil and my kind of place to visit.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      February 10, 2022 at 12:28 pm

      Hi Louise, Panning for gold is a big part of North Ga’s history and it certainly makes for an exciting activity to try while on vacation!

      Reply
  5. bethebest#128 says:
    January 5, 2022 at 8:35 pm

    First and foremost, I think it’s fascinating to learn about the historical gold rushes in Georgia — I always thought this pertained to 19th century California. You have a novel and refreshing concept. Why don’t more people discover the best routes to hunt for gold? Getting wealthy is an understated win in my book. That said, I am considering these locations as alternative ways to have hard, invaluable assets. I love this article because it opened my mind to all the world’s opportunities.

    I would love to hear more about gold and gem hunting in Georgia Mountains — now this is what I call a history lesson!!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      January 6, 2022 at 11:03 am

      North Georgia’s history with gold is fascinating! To learn even more, I highly recommend the Gold Museum in Dahlonega which sheds even more light on how the gold deposits shaped the region we know today.

      Reply
  6. Groomy Dude says:
    July 26, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    Hello Alyce,

    I am actually sitting in the Smokey Mountains as I write this comment. I reside in Indiana and find myself in the mountains regularly. I absolutely love it in the mountains. My wife and our dogs enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities and it is nice to have a cabin to come back to for all the comforts of home after a long day in the woods. 

    I am going to check out some of these offers you have here for the next time we are out. I am more than willing to add a couple of hours to our trip to try something new. I would enjoy being outside in GA. I have actually panned for gold on my property in southern IN and found a few flakes but never anything of a substantial amount. It is really fun to do. 

    It may be in the article and I will find it in my research before I book anything but can you say if the cabins near the creek have stuff to pan for gold? Should I bring my own tools?

    Cool stuff here, looking forward to this adventure!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Chad

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      July 28, 2021 at 6:47 pm

      Hi Chad, Sounds like some great adventures are ahead for you! There is one cabin that conveniently provides gold panning equipment, but otherwise, you will need to bring or purchase your own supplies. Best of luck!

      Reply

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