Hey Chris, My name is Paul, I live just outside atl in East Point.   The closet place to you in Ga is the GPAA claim at buchanan,ga, just north of I-20 on the second exit into Ga, US 27. In Al you can go to the talledaga Nat forest, (pan and shovel only)check with the rangers for info and a permit, it's free. There's the Ala Gold camp, it's a pay to play but you get a 10% discount as a GPAA member, then east of Delta there's another GPAA claim called Curvins cow pasture, this and the Buchanan claim are in the guide book, so is info about the Nat forests in AL., so is the Ala Gold camp as a pay to pay place. The closest public prospecting in Ga is around Lake alatoona on corp of eng property, (pan and shovel only) check maps for public access, info also in guide book. There's another GPAA claim in coker creek, TN. I can give you some detailed info on places around allatoona or directions to the Buchanan claim. and plenty of info on pay to play places in GA and NC, some discounted for GPAA. Just PM me if you want. Maybe get together some time.    

 

Paul, so many thanks for all the info!  My guide book package just arrived and can't wait to sink my teeth into it.  You had mentioned "pan & shovel only."  I do have a pan & shovel but I also have a metal detector.  Also, after much reading I couldn't resist dropping the penny for a Gold Rush Nugget Bucket which should be here in time for my trip.  I guess the detector and Nugget Bucket are no-no's in most of these places you mentioned or are they considered okay?  Either way, I'm looking forward to the day that I have the personal and educational experience as yourself to offer some tips to a newbie as well.  You've boosted my confidence greatly!

Paul,

Is it "no metal detectors" in all national forests? I was just in Stanislaus National last week and had my detector with me and never thought about it. Never thought that they would be. I knew National Parks were not permitted. If so, whats the reasoning behind it? Thanks.

Very discouraging to think about, but just 1 seasonal flash flood does more damage than amateur prospector's could possibly do in 10 years. What actually is the Corp of England?? Are you refering to the country of England ?

Hi Chris

If the national forest is not considered acquired or under the weeks act then the conditions of detecting is much different. These cases usually have the minerals open for location, These area the exception would be no metal detecting. Beware there are also mining claims in many of these areas being that they are open to location and that means no detecting unless you have the claim owners permission. There are still surface management restrictions in some area so you do still have to do your homework. These areas are primarily on the west coast. The east coast as it is sometimes coined, is not covered by the 1872 mining law in the same way because of the acts that the lands were acquired under. Truth be known the intent of the law used under many of the acquisitions by USDA forest service where they acquired the land  should be open but it has been accepted for so  long that it is closed it would be near impossible to turn back now. Some of the acquired forest do allow metal detecting and other activities in some areas so do not be afraid to check in on the activities allowed in the East coast forest.  Always try to check with the district ranger in the area you want to go in. He knows his area he is in charge of better than anyone. Some National Forest if they do allow an activity, the activity will have a fee associated with it.

happy hunting