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!
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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
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Panning for Gold in North Georgia
What is your favorite place to hunt for gold in North Georgia?
Hi there,
I love all the information given in this post. 🙂 This would be something I would love to do with the little ones if I ever get the chance to visit Georgia. You’ve added another item to my bucket list I think lol! The history is quite sad to think about, but it’s great that this information is still available to be shared so that we know the origins and the roots of how gold panning started there. Thanks for teaching me something new today! 🙂
Hi Sophie, The North Georgia mountains definitely have a rich history that includes many tragedies. I’m glad you enjoyed learning more about Georgia’s gold and can make a visit soon!
wow, I never thought to have camped on a gold mining site or visiting a gold museum. I guess this could be a nice idea for the next travel list. More when I can experience mining my own gold. But for the mining and digging activity, I do not need to carry extra tools right? I mean, they must have the tools for rent? I will not buy the tools just for one time and not planning to do that either for the rest of my career.
Hi Lana, Whether or not you need tools depends on what type of experience you prefer. Since it doesn’t sound like you want to purchase any tools, then you should try the gold mine attractions which will provide everything you need on site. Enjoy!
Sounds like the cherokees had it real tough in 1838. The trail of tears, it sounds so sad.
I didn’t realise Gold panning still happened in today’s world. This is really interesting and gosh, that private waterfront log cabin with a hot tub sounds like the perfect place for me and my human to discover the history behind it. What better place to be when learning about something new and interesting than in the lands themselves.
Now I have a burning desire to visit Georgia and a bigger desire to read up on this trail of tears.
Hi Kelly, the history of Georgia during the Gold Rush had all kinds of interesting elements and actions with long-lasting effects. I feel like I barely scratched the surface in the article, but I’m so glad to hear that it’s piqued your interest to do some further research. A lot can be learned from reading, but hopefully you’ll get to visit and see these sites in person soon!
Go see Unto these hills in Cherokee North Carolina. If you want to know or embrace the true trail of tears, this is the way to do it
Hello there,
Great job you did here on Gold. Fantastic article chocked full with useful information. I am currently studying Materials & Metallurgical Engineering, Gold happens to be my Project work for next semester, This article would defintely help me out, Never knew North Georgia had this much Gold in it. Thanks for this, I would share with my group mates
Hey, thanks so much for sharing with your peers — it sounds like you all have some really interesting work ahead of you! I wish you all the best with your gold project and your studies!!
I believe I read one of your other articles which I loved “the scenic drives in Georgia. This was also informative. I want to find gold but the history is amazing how what they had to do to fine it. The waterfall is beautiful. It is amazing that they have places where you can actually pan for gold! Good article. Alicia
Hi Alicia, Thanks for sharing. The Georgia mountains are full of fun surprises like the ability to find gold all around!
It is good to be able to read about the history of gold in the Georgia mountains, many of us are just reading about this for the first time which makes it very interesting and novel. Very nice that you have made it so understandable and so comprehendible. I’d love to have more information like in this article.
Thanks for the kind words Shavo! Please make sure to sign up for the Ga Mountains Guide e-newsletter to be notified when new articles are published!
Thank you for sharing this cool tidbit of local Georgia information with us. I enjoyed learning the history and how the intrepid explorer can tap into that spirit and go gold panning for themselves! I’ve never explored panning gold and gems in the Georgia mountains but it seems to be really fun and exciting. I am definitely interested in this mostly for fun, but also to make myself some money!
Hi Josh, It is really neat to think that a beautiful day spent outside in the Georgia mountains could also yield a bit of treasure! Best of luck on your search for treasure!!
Super informative article on the topic. Amazing reference to the history of the state. If I were to visit Georgia, which places would you recommend the most to visit? As well as including a short time frame (not venturing all over the state)? Also, amazing information on the cabin rentals for folks who want to venture into the state with no idea where to stay.
Hi Ray, The easiest way to enjoy panning for gold and some of Georgia’s gold history is to visit one of the historic gold mine exhibits where you can also pan for gold. They’ll have all the tools you need and experts available to answer your questions. Either Consolidated Gold Mine or Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega, Georgia would both be great choices!
I never knew! Good day to you at this time of your day. I always saw the treasures of the Georgia Mountains to be the beautiful hotels, eateries and other wonderful places to be. I never knew the Georgia Mountains also had treasures as we know it to be – Gold and Gems. This is so amazing. Thanks for this information.
Hi Kelvin, North Georgia is full of surprises, and the rich history of gold is just one of the many interesting things to explore in the area!