Ga Mountains Guide

Panning for Gold in North Georgia

by

Tags:

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
  7. Anna says:
    June 16, 2021 at 9:47 am

    This sounds like a really fun adventure. I never considered panning for gold on a vacation, but now that I know it’s an option, this is definitely something to consider for myself and my family.

    I really appreciate the planning details which provide useful information. The short history lesson adds even more interest! 

    Mostly, I especially like that you have included the dog-friendly cabin suggestions. 🙂

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      June 16, 2021 at 12:02 pm

      Hi Anna, I think a lot of people are surprised that panning for gold is still something that people can do today. I’m so glad to hear you found some useful information here and I hope you find a great cabin for your family (including the dog!). 

      Reply
  8. Joseph Stasaitis says:
    June 7, 2021 at 2:15 pm

    I never realized that there were gold sites in the Georgia Mountains. I was just aware of the Appalachian Trail. I appreciate learning about Dahlonega Gold Museum as I enjoy history and museums very much. Your article provides plenty of valuable information on where to prospect for gold. It’s also good to know about the prospecting maps and available cabins. Lots of exhibits and attractions to check out as well. You have provided a wealth of information in this article.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      June 8, 2021 at 11:11 am

      Hi Joseph, I think a lot of people are surprised to learn of Georgia’s gold history. The Dahlonega Gold Museum is a great place to learn even more when you are in town for a visit!

      Reply
  9. AL. S. says:
    May 5, 2021 at 10:08 am

    Very interesting. I would not have thought Georgia was a place to pan for gold. As a kid I always went gold mining with my dad and this is something that I could definitely do with my kids. Georgia is very close to us, so a trip to try our hand at panning for gold would be fun. I did not know that panning for gold in streams in national parks was allowed. This is very good information to know. Thanks for all the information.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 5, 2021 at 12:45 pm

      Hi Al, Gold panning is allowed in the National Forests with a few exceptions, but I’m not sure that the same is true for National Parks. There are a lot of fun places to pan for gold in Georgia and you never know if you’ll be the next person to find a sizeable and valuable nugget!

      Reply
  10. Cynthia says:
    May 5, 2021 at 10:04 am

    I had friends who mined for gold here in Maine but I had no idea about gold located in Georgia.  It’s a fun hobby that many enjoy but I don’t know anyone who’s “struck it rich”!  Nonetheless, I think it would be fun to see what I can find.  I would love to visit Dukes Gold and Ruby Mines because, honestly, who needs gold when I can mine for rubies?  Or at least buy some in the gift shop… Thanks for posting!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 5, 2021 at 12:43 pm

      Hi Cynthia, I have never earned much from the gold I’ve panned either, so it is good that it is still an enjoyable way to spend time with friends and family. 🙂 

      Reply
  11. Joyce Easton says:
    May 1, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    Thank you for this excellent idea of your article, to show the place where possible to find the God. I live here in the Philippines, and I heard my people doing exactly what you do there, but I believe we are not allowed to visit the panning area as a bit dangerous. But here in your article, it seems it’s good to visit and have a good adventure there. And to learn how to do panning of the gold in your area in North Georgia. Thank you so much for sharing.

    All the best,

    Joyce

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 2, 2021 at 10:32 am

      Hello Joyce! I would not recommend exploring just any old mine that you may find in the woods, but panning at the edge of a slow-moving river shouldn’t be considered too risky.

      If you’re interested in learning about recent explorations of mines in the USA, Brent Underwood has a fun YouTube channel called “Ghost Town Living” where he explores the ghost town Cerro Gordo, California. 

      Brent purchased the abandoned mining town a few years ago with the goal of restoring and rebuilding it into a resort town. His videos are a fun mix of exploring things that he finds on his property (old mines, old trails, ruins of old buildings, etc.) and sharing the history he learns about the area. Enjoy!

      Reply
  12. Lisa says:
    May 1, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    I lived in Atlanta for about ten years, and never had any idea about the rich gold mining history in North Georgia. This webpage seems very comprehensive. It makes me wish I had gone up north to check out the attractions when I was living nearby. I especially like that you have highlighted a few cabins to stay in up in the mountains. They seem very economical compared to cabins in Utah, where I live now. Have you ever panned for gold? And if so, did you ever find any? Is it enjoyable even when you don’t find any gold to spend the day in nature with hope in your heart that you will find something valuable? I can imagine that it is.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 2, 2021 at 10:20 am

      Hi Lisa, The gold on top of the capitol building in Atlanta was mined from Dahlonega, so even if the state’s history isn’t totally obvious, it is nice that it is there to enjoy. 🙂

      I have panned for gold at the tourist gold panning locations, but I have never taken my own equipment and panned for gold on my own in a river or stream. The tourist locations make it very easy to find gold — everyone gets to leave with their own vial of the gold they panned. The tourist locations aren’t likely to have the bigger nuggets though — you’ll want to go out on your own or to a group dig for the best chances of striking it rich!

      Reply
    • Tara says:
      March 5, 2022 at 6:54 am

      I’ve panned and used a small dredge in Northern California and in oregon where I’m from. Yes almost without fail we found gold when we were out. Mostly its a way for us kids who are all grown now to take our kids And spend a few days out with our dad. We use any excuse we can to hang with our parents now. Lol

      Reply
      • Alyce says:
        March 7, 2022 at 8:12 am

        Hi Tara, Thanks for sharing. I certainly understand the appeal of including different generations of family members when going out to leisurely pan for gold. What a great way to spend time with loved ones!

        Reply
  13. Geoff says:
    March 11, 2021 at 9:20 am

    This is a wonderful post.  This is so difficult from the usual holiday.

    I think that it would be a really good alternative to the usual breaks that I go on.  It would be such fun for anyone.  Families or groups of friends would have so much fun and laughter as they try to be the first to find some gold.

    A tour of the consolidated gold mine would definitely be one place I would want to visit.  The history and stories I’m sure would be fascinating.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      March 11, 2021 at 6:08 pm

      Hi Geoff, The tour of the Consolidated gold mine is a great way to learn more about the local gold industry and it certainly makes for a unique way to spend time while on vacation!

      Reply
  14. Leahrae says:
    March 11, 2021 at 9:10 am

    I lived in Alaska for 22 years, and know all about the Alaska Gold rush.  But I suppose I never thought about one any where else.  So this was interesting information and a lot of parallels to the gold rush in Alaska.  Oh, it would be so relaxing and fun to stay in one of the cabins you have listed.  

    Reply
  15. MrBizOp says:
    November 30, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    This is a very well thought out article. I certainly learned a few things. I never knew about the trail of tears. Such a sad thing. I love that you used quick article navigation links. 

    I could take a page or two from your book for my own website. Absolutely professional. 

    Now I want to bring my wife and dog and go panning for gold…lol

    Wishing you success in all you do, Joshua Horton

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 30, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      Hi Joshua, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the article and found the layout of the website to be helpful. Thanks so much for your feedback!

      Reply
  16. Sophie says:
    November 30, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    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! 🙂 

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 30, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      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!

      Reply
  17. Lana says:
    November 30, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 30, 2020 at 2:29 pm

      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!

      Reply
  18. Kelly says:
    November 17, 2020 at 9:43 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 17, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      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!

      Reply
    • Michael says:
      June 27, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      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

      Reply
  19. roprimixz says:
    November 17, 2020 at 9:36 am

    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

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 17, 2020 at 3:07 pm

      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!!

      Reply
  20. Alicia Watts says:
    November 17, 2020 at 9:36 am

    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

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 17, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      Hi Alicia, Thanks for sharing. The Georgia mountains are full of fun surprises like the ability to find gold all around! 

      Reply
  21. Shavo says:
    November 16, 2020 at 7:13 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 16, 2020 at 8:31 pm

      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! 

      Reply
  22. Josh says:
    November 16, 2020 at 7:12 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 16, 2020 at 8:29 pm

      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!!

      Reply
  23. Ray says:
    November 16, 2020 at 5:31 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 16, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      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!

      Reply
  24. Kelvin says:
    November 14, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 15, 2020 at 12:11 am

      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!

      Reply
  25. Teboho Lekhanya says:
    November 14, 2020 at 11:28 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 15, 2020 at 12:10 am

      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!

      Reply
  26. Akshay says:
    November 12, 2020 at 1:04 pm

    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. 

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 13, 2020 at 10:06 am

      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.

      Reply
  27. Mohammad says:
    November 12, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    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…?

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 13, 2020 at 10:02 am

      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!

      Reply
  28. Misael H says:
    November 12, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 13, 2020 at 10:01 am

      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!

      Reply
  29. Bella says:
    November 11, 2020 at 11:09 pm

    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!

    Reply
  30. QueenAna says:
    October 29, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    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,

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      October 30, 2020 at 11:00 am

      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!

      Reply
  31. Aluko kolawole says:
    October 29, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      October 30, 2020 at 10:56 am

      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!

      Reply
  32. Alketa says:
    October 23, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      October 24, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      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!

      Reply
  33. ReeceMichael says:
    October 19, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      October 20, 2020 at 10:33 am

      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!

      Reply
  34. Alice Carroll says:
    April 2, 2020 at 9:42 pm

    It’s good to know that there are sites where gold panning is allowed as long as there isn’t much river disturbance involved. My niece and nephew had always expressed that they want to go on a camping trip with me and I don’t know yet what fun activities we could do out there. Perhaps I should see if I could buy some gold prospecting materials in case we happen to feel like going some gold panning.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      April 3, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      Just make sure to follow local regulations that limit the scale and location of your operations, but yes, gold panning is allowed! Amazon.com has a selection of basic products and gold panning kits that will easily get you started.

      Reply
  35. Temidayo says:
    November 1, 2019 at 5:30 pm

    This is an interesting history you have narrated here. Its really an interesting site to see how gold is mined. The finished products we see today is a lot different than the way it looks in the rocks. Those guys that came from everywhere to pan for gold did less if it were found in our day. Your interesting history brings me to the story of the blood diamonds story in Sierra Leone.

    It will really be fun to pan for gold. I hope they can allow us to do it as tourist? Since we won’t be doing it like the miners did during the gold rush hope there won’t be much restrictions? Thank you so much for sharing. Will check out some of the links you have provided particularly the Gold Panning Instructions.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 1, 2019 at 10:49 pm

      One needs to be mindful of the enviornment, but it’s nice that recreational gold panning is allowed in most of the National Forests.

      Reply
  36. Gomer says:
    November 1, 2019 at 5:26 pm

    I love the story you shared. It piqued my imagination once again of how it looks like just like in the old movies I’ve watched. You know, white Americans trying to make a living or a fortune in newfound gold mines while Cherokee Indians think they have encroached. You know, those wild west movies.

    Looking at the chart about gems, I wonder why is gold not included in the list of gems? Isn’t gold a gem?

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      November 1, 2019 at 10:47 pm

      I’m guessing since gold is a metal that it is not included. The process for finding gems versus metals can be different, but these places in the Georgia mountains should help you learn quite a bit about each one!

      Reply
  37. riverdogg says:
    November 1, 2019 at 5:20 pm

    Awesome, right up my alley! Glad to hear it’s legal to pan for gold on National Forest land. I just gave my had a big bag of Alaska paydirt for his birthday and we had a blast panning it in the backyard. We are planning some recreational gold panning trips for this Spring as neither of us want to deal with the freezing cold (it’s currently getting down to 15-20 degrees F here in Washington State). Thanks for the very informative post, good stuff man.

    Reply
  38. Linda Cooper says:
    July 25, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    Very interesting topic, would love to do something like that. Love hearing all the background story and how these particular mines came about. I have only heard of the California gold rush, so hearing about an earlier one was great.

    A lot of precious ans semi precious stones still available to mine which makes the prospect more interesting. If I didn’t live in the UK I would be bringing the family to have a go. They would love it.

    Sharing for others to enjoy.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      July 25, 2019 at 5:38 pm

      Thanks Linda, there is a lot to learn and explore in this little part of the world! I’m glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for the share!!

      Reply
  39. DorcasW says:
    July 25, 2019 at 3:48 pm

    Hello; Mining for Gold in these areas back then was a fortune oriented venture I believe; however mining now would be finding fun through history. 

    As much as I would want to visit these attractions for family fun, I do believe that for anyone to pan for gold and really find gold it would have to be a miracle.

    DorcasW

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      July 25, 2019 at 5:40 pm

      Hi Dorcas, I’ve been to the Crisson Mine and believe it or not, everyone leaves with a little bit of gold! It’s usually not anything that will make you rich though… the flakes are about the size of what you find in a bottle of Goldschlager. 

      The gems that you get are really pretty though… again, you are not likely to make a fortune, but there are really pretty gems that come with the joy of the hunt for them. I hope you get a chance to check it out!

      Reply
    • Jeff says:
      September 25, 2020 at 12:06 am

      I know this is an older thread but I feel compelled to correct you Dorcas. There is gold to be found in almost every creek and river in North Georgia!! I am an avid gold prospector and have made quite a bit of extra money from the gold I have found over the years from numerous creeks and I am not talking about the “pay for gold dirt in a bag”..……..
      So….. To get to the point, finding gold in Georgia is not a “miracle” as you stated. The yellow stuff is here, always has been, and always will. This is a very good article and very informative. I hope you try out gold prospecting in Georgia if you can. Sincerely.
      -Jeff

      Reply
  40. akborm says:
    July 25, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    Hi there!!
    This can be a notice for the gold miners. As because you mentioned very well the places of gold mine. Gold miners will love to travel their for sure. 100 years of undermined golds will be a treasure for them. The Cherokee nation did the job. You have written their story so nicely with all the necessary information. So this is an informative article as well.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      July 25, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      The area was certainly transformed by the discovery of gold, although today that industry is more of a footnote than something that attracts gold prospectors. It is interesting history, and enjoyable to visit the old mines that allow you to learn more about the panning processes.

      Reply
  41. Shannon says:
    July 25, 2019 at 11:52 am

    I am so glad I ran across your site! I was just browsing through and am very interested in one of the cabin rentals you suggested and was thinking on activities the whole family could do together in the area when I ran across this article 🙂

    Panning for gold and gems sounds like an excellent idea and I know my 3 boys would absolutely love it! I’m quite sure it would turn into a competition to see who could come up with the most treasures hah! This would be a great learning activity for them as well. Do you have any information on what the charge is for panning? Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      July 25, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      Hi Shannon, There are different ticket packages available depending on your interests. Most places will offer buckets of different sizes — it’s great fun to get a bucket or 2 per family and roll up your sleeves to hunt for treasure! 

      Crisson Mine may have the lowest price per person (currently $11 for a tour plus pan and bucket containing treasures), but each place is a little different so you may want to explore them all to find the best one for your family. Enjoy!

      Reply
  42. Pandamelody says:
    July 25, 2019 at 11:48 am

    Great family activity !  Is the activity free ? you might want to specify the cost (if there are any)

    If you find gold or anything else can you keep it ? It isn’t exactly very clear if you can keep the treasures found or not, it may be I that didn’t understand it but I just wanted to make sure. 

    When you say gems, what types of gems do you talk about ? sapphire, ruby ? … 

    But overall I find the topic very interesting, I would have loved doing such an activity with my family 

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      July 25, 2019 at 2:31 pm

      Hi, there is no charge to find a stream and pan for gold, but the attractions and exhibits are not free. The gem mining and gold panning activities do allow you to keep whatever you find. They usually have a hall of fame out front to showcase some of the most impressive hauls. The gems do include sapphires, rubies, and many others. Visit this page for a PDF of an ID chart of some of the treasures that you may find.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *