Panning for Gold in North Georgia
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
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!
Quick Article Navigation:
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
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.
- Address: 8 Warwick Street, Dahlonega, GA
- Website: lumpkinhistory.org/diving-bell
- TripAdvisor: Chestatee River Diving Bell is rated 4.0 with 75+ reviews
Dahlonega Gold Museum
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.
- Phone: +1 (706) 864-2257
- Address: 1 Public Square, Dahlonega, GA
- Website: gastateparks.org/DahlonegaGoldMuseum
- Facebook: Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site has 1,200+ followers
- TripAdvisor: Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site is rated 4.5 with 425+ reviews
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 [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.
- Phone: +1 (706) 864-8473
- Address: 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road, Dahlonega, GA
- Website: consolidatedgoldmine.com
- Facebook: Consolidated Gold Mine has 10,000+ followers
- TripAdvisor: Consolidated Gold Mine is rated 4.5 with 1,225+ reviews
- Ranked #1 for Things to Do in Dahlonega
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).
- Phone: +1 (706) 864-6363
- Address: 2736 Morrison Moore Pkwy E, Dahlonega, GA
- Website: crissongoldmine.com
- Facebook: Crisson Gold Mine has 6,200+ followers
- TripAdvisor: Crisson Gold Mine is rated 4.5 with 450+ reviews
Gold Panning Attractions in North GA
Learn How to Pan for Gold and Gems [photo ExploreGeorgia.org]
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.
- Phone: +1 (706) 258-4854
- Address: 8436 Aska Road, Blue Ridge, GA
- Website: askaminingcompany.com
- Facebook: Aska Mining Company has 1,100+ likes
- TripAdvisor: Aska Mining Company is rated 5.0 with 50+ reviews
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.
- Phone: +1 (706) 878-2625
- Address: 6145 GA-75, Sautee Nacoochee, GA
- Website: dukescreek.com
- Facebook: Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines has 1,600+ followers
- TripAdvisor: Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines is rated 4.5 with 125+ reviews
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.
- Phone: +1 (706) 865-5454
- Address: 75 Gold Nugget Lane, Cleveland, GA (currently closed)
- Website: goldngemgrubbin.com
- TripAdvisor: Gold n Gem Grubbin’ is rated 4.0 with 150+ reviews
Outpost Gold and Gem
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.
- Phone: +1 (706) 878-5065
- Address: 7901 South Main Street, Helen, GA
- Website: outpostgoldandgems.com
- Facebook: Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co. has 500+ followers
- TripAdvisor: Outpost Gold and Gem is rated 4.5 with 125+ reviews
Talking Rock General
Enjoy gold panning, gemstone mining, and fossil digs. Gift shop and ice cream on-site.
- Phone: +1 (706) 253-GEMS (4367)
- Address: 5119 Hwy 136 W, Talking Rock, GA
- Website: talkingrockgeneral.com
- Facebook: Talking Rock General has 1,800+ followers
- TripAdvisor: Talking Rock General is rated 4.5 with 5+ reviews
- Ranked #1 for Sights and Landmarks in Talking Rock
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 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
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.
- Cottage sleeps 12 people in 5 bedrooms / 3.5 bathrooms
- Click here to check current availability and rates
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
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.
- Cottage sleeps 5 people in 2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom
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!
- North GA Gold History Books – explore the profound local and national changes resulting from Georgia’s gold rush
- North GA Gold Panning Books – these “how-to” style books provide helpful information for those curious about how to find gold in North Georgia
- Gold Panning Equipment – carry highly rated gold panning equipment to best set yourself up for success (make sure to use approved types of equipment when panning for gold in North Georgia)
- Gold Rush Days
- Join the town of Dahlonega to celebrate the discovery of gold at the annual Gold Rush Days Festival
- The annual festival is held on the 3rd full weekend of October and brings hundreds of vendors to the town square to help celebrate and enjoy the fall colors
***
Thank you for saving and sharing this article!
Panning for Gold in North Georgia
What is your favorite place to hunt for gold in North Georgia?
Hi,
Thanks for the article.
I was beginning to feel bad and stupid, but thankfully you eventually said that today the gold mining industry in Georgia is largely limited to the history books. It’s true I don’t know Geography that very much. But I have surely never heard of a vibrant gold mining industry in Georgia, such as the one you describe from the 1800s.
In the United States, don’t minerals and similar resources belong to the state? Are people allowed to mine freely?
Best wishes.
Hi Teboho, people need to be very careful to make sure they are panning for gold in an approved place with approved methods, but yes, you are allowed to keep what you find!
Hi. I found your article about Panning for Gold in North Georgia Mountains to be a super interesting and educational post. The way you described it is very clear and comprehensive.
I had not heard many details about the Golden history of GA, so this was nice to learn about the origins of the local gold rush. It’s neat that not only is gold available, but lots of various gems and fossils too.
Hi Akshay, A lot of people are surprised to learn about Georgia’s role in the nation’s gold fever. I hope you are able to visit and see the exhibits in person and try your luck when panning for gold.
I’ve never explored the concept of panning for gold and gems before… obviously I’ve heard about it, but never really thought about doing it. Sounds fun, especially when you can make it into a weekend getaway and enjoy nature at the same time. I wonder if there is much of it here in the UK where I live…?
Hi Mohammad, Panning for gold is definitely a fun way to enjoy a potentially lucrative hobby while getting in some much-needed time in nature. Enjoy!
Had to come back to your site to learn more about Georgia and tell my uncle more about it. I’m not sure if he’s peeked around a bit on the site buy I’m sure if he does, he will love it. I am going to be sending this article to him too, as I just read it and it got me excited haha I almost just wanna move down there
Hi Misael, Thanks for sharing with your Uncle who is local to the area. Georgia is not only a great place to visit, but also a fantastic place to live! We’d be honored for you to stay and enjoy the area for as long as you’d like!
Thank you for sharing this truly informative and insightful article about panning for gold in Georgia. I really enjoyed reading your article because I learnt a great deal from it about the history of gold panning and mining in the GA mountains, tips on how to go about it in recent times, and many more other things like where we could stay on a prospecting trip!
Thanks Bella, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the article about panning for gold in North Georgia!
This is a great website. The color “Army Green” is awesome! I particularly do not like green, but your website is outstanding. Not only in the color scheme, but the information is great also. When I was in college, I worked for a geologist to help pay for college books that we never used. But, the rocks were interesting, but not enough to make a career of them. But, your website is well designed and a student could actually use the information to write a term paper. (smile) The only experience on the topic I can offer is “I recognize a rock when I see one”. Opinion about the topic, I might be inspired to go looking for gold. Thank you for designing a very good website.
Respectfully submitted,
Hi QueenAna, I love the experience of being out in nature. Spending time on the water to pan for gold is a nice way to spend an afternoon. Beginners will appreciate going to one of the gold panning tourist attractions to get a quick education on the different types of rocks and minerals that can be found nearby. Enjoy your trip!
Hi,
From my online research about the topic panning for gold gems in the georgia mountain is Dahlonega, Georgia might not be the first place Americans think of when they hear the words gold rush. But in fact, gold was discovered in this North Georgia town about 70 miles north of Atlanta two decades before prospectors found it in California.
Thanks for sharing.
Aluko.
Hi Aluko, It is true that Northern Georgia had a big gold rush about 20 years earlier than the famous rush in California. There are a lot of ways to explore this history of gold in Georgia. Be sure to include a stop at the Dahlonega Gold Museum to bring even more to your gold panning experience!
Hi, What an interesting story, and it is great to know the story. Your article is plain of helpful tools, tips, and advice for everyone interesting in panning for gold. And, it is really nice to go on a family trip and to have a similar adventure and why not find a piece of gold:).
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Best
Alketa
Panning for gold is definitely a fun way to have a family outing that both celebrates the area’s history and includes a small chance of finding a valuable gold nugget!
Wow, how cool! It’s amazing that you can legally pan for gold in so many places in Georgia. I’d love to find some good precious stones while panning for gold. I haven’t tried panning in the Georgia mountains — didn’t even realize it was possible — so thank you for sharing. I’m sure to have a great time while I’m there whether I find gold or not!
It’s nice that you have the option to go to a tourist-focused gold mine attraction and pretty much be guaranteed to get some gold flakes, or you can up the adventure by trying it out on your own!