TENNESSEE: The best place in Tennessee is Coker Creek in Monroe County. This is a historical gold producing area and still produces good fine to flake gold today. Several areas are within the boundaries of the national forest, and can be prospected with a dredge (up to 3" intake) by USFS permit holders. Getting a permit to prospect these areas can be as easy as a telephone call to the District National Forest Headquarters in Tellico Plains (423-253-2520) or Hiwassee District Headquarters (423-263-5486).
VIRGINIA: Several places in Virginia have been productive for the recreational prospector in the recent past.
From Rod Ingalls, Train Junction, 3550 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22911; Telephone (804) 974-9499:
| Contrary Creek out of Mineral, VA on Route 522-208 |
| Byrd Creek in Fluvannah and Goohland Counties |
| Buckingham County: Route 15 on opposite side of Willis Mountain |
| The Roppahanuck River in Spotsylvania County |
| Several Creeks west of Fredricksburg |
Rod warns all prospectors that all lands are privately held and landowners permission is required before prospecting. Written permission is always best on private property. Check with Rod at the Train Junction for information on current hot spots. Mention that you saw this on the web page for SEP, and he has some specials on Virginia Gold and Mineral publications.
NORTH CAROLINA: Several places in North Carolina have proven productive to the recreational miner. We had VERY GOOD luck at the LDMA Vein Mountain property this spring after a flood. Gold was in the uppermost layer of gravel and sand, approximately two to three feet deep. Other areas of interest include the LUCKY STRIKE MINE (a pay to prospect operation south of Marion) and the MOUNTAIN HOME MINE. We also mine sapphires in North Carolina, north of Canton and west of Ashville. There are several pay to prospect gem operations in North Carolina, and as we find places we can recommend, we will post them here.
From Gary West, Lenoir, NC:
There are four Gold Mine-Panning places near Marion, NC. From I-40 go South on US Hwy. 221 (Exit 85 I think--but may be Exit 84):
Heather Grove Mine is located approximately 7 miles South of Marion on US 221. They offer camping, panning, sluicing, dredging and highbanking. They have a nice covered panning area and a heated indoor area. They sell buckets of dirt to pan--3 gallons for $6.00. Panning in the stream is $5.00 per day.
The Lucky Strike Mine is located about 8 miles South of Marion on US 221. They offer camping, panning, sluicing, dredging and highbanking. They have a nice covered panning area. They sell buckets of dirt to pan but I am not sure of the price as I have never panned there.
Thermal City Gold Mine (my favorite) is located 9 miles South of Marion on US 221. They offer camping, panning, sluicing, dredging and highbanking. TCGM also holds 4 common digs each year. Panning is done from the same material used in the common dig (it comes from about 8 feet down) and costs $5.00 per day-pans and instruction are included if needed. Panning in the creek is $5.00 also. For more information call Lloyd Nanney at (704) 286-3016--he is always ready to talk gold.
Dale - Rio Gold [(704) 438-4023 or (704) 286-8606] is a new place that just opened in July, 1996. From Marion, go South on US 221 to Rutherfordton (about 21 miles), then East on Us Hwy 64 (toward Morganton)for 10 miles. Look for sign on Right side of the road. From Morganton, go West on US Hwy 64 for 19 miles and look for sign on left. They offer panning, sluicing, dredging and highbanking (no camping). They sell buckets of material to pan and also sell picker buckets, nugget buckets, and gem buckets. Panning in the stream is $5.00 per day. I ran my 2" dredge there Sunday and had my best day this year. When sample panning the stream I found color in almost every pan. I hope to get back there this weekend.
GEORGIA:We also mine at the LDMA LOUD MINE outside of Cleveland, Georgia. Several other sites have also been tried, the GEM and GOLD GRUBBIN' MINE (a pay to pan business) near Cleveland has proven productive.
SOUTH CAROLINA: While at the GPAA Vein Mountain outing April 10-14, I got reports of good, consistent gold coming from the LDMA Oconee property in SC. I will post a report on this property after I have had a chance to test it.
ALABAMA:
If you have any sites you like and would like to share with others, please email us and we will add that site to this page. If it is private property, please inlude the name and a way to contact the owner. Thanks for your help and good hunting.
Last Modified: 12/01/97