Marianne Martinez
Tennessee has plenty of gold mining opportunities for the recreational gold prospector. While overall production has been low, gold can be recovered in quantities that will satisfy the recreational gold prospector. Most gold is found in the southeast part of the state, mainly in the form of fines and flakes, with the occasional small nugget. Gold panning in Tennessee requires a permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. This is a general permit that allows the holder to use various methods to extract gold in the state. There are several popular spots for gold panning in Tennessee, including Coker Creek in Polk County, Chilhowee Mountain in Blount County, and several creeks in Monroe County such as Citico, Cane, Turkey, and Tobe Creeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes, from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation |
| Permit type | General permit, divided into two classes: Class 1 (non-motorized equipment) and Class 2 (mechanical tools) |
| Limitations | Restricted to water-based prospecting; land-based prospecting requires an additional permit |
| Popular locations | Coker Creek in Polk County, Chilhowee Mountain in Blount County, Little River in Townsend, Citico Creek, Cane Creek, Turkey Creek, Tobe Creek, streams east of Montvale Springs, creeks between Tellico River and Hawassee River |
| Gold availability | Mostly small specks, flakes, and occasional small nuggets |
| Clubs/groups | Allatoona Gold Panners on Facebook, GPAA (membership required for panning on their land) |
| Maps | Gold vicinity maps showing official recorded gold sites and GPS coordinates |
| Waste disposal | Proper waste disposal is required by law to avoid fines |
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What You'll Learn
Permits and regulations
Gold panning enthusiasts can explore both public and private lands in Tennessee. While no special permits or fees are required for recreational gold panning on public lands, including national forests and wildlife management areas, it is important to follow any rules and regulations set by the managing agencies. These may include restrictions on specific prospecting methods or equipment, such as suction dredging, which is only allowed in designated areas like the Tellico Ranger District and GPAA-owned land. Littering is strictly prohibited, and responsible gold panning techniques that minimise environmental impact are essential.
For private lands, it is crucial to obtain explicit consent from landowners before entering and prospecting. While some landowners may grant permission, it is important to respect their property rights and follow sustainable practices.
Recreational prospecting in Tennessee generally requires a permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. This permit allows for various gold extraction methods and is divided into two classes: Class 1 for non-motorised equipment like pans and sluice boxes, and Class 2 for mechanical tools like suction dredges and motorized sluice boxes. The permit has limitations, such as restricting users to water-based prospecting only, and suction dredging may still be forbidden in most of Tennessee even with the appropriate paperwork.
Additionally, specific areas like Coker Creek in the Cherokee National Forest may have their own regulations and permit requirements. Contacting the local ranger station can provide information on any necessary permits and maps outlining designated prospecting areas.
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Coker Creek
Gold panning in Coker Creek is restricted to water-based prospecting, and you will need a permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. This is a "general permit" and is fairly broad, allowing the holder to use various methods to extract gold. Under the general permit, recreational prospecting is divided into two classes. Class 1 refers to the use of non-motorized equipment, such as pans and traditional sluice boxes. Class 2 covers the use of mechanical tools, including suction dredges and motorized sluice boxes.
Much of the land surrounding Coker Creek is owned by the GPAA (a group that has a chapter in Tennessee), so to pan here, you must be a member of the group. Panning GPAA-owned land without an active membership is considered trespassing and may result in a fine and forfeiture of any gold captured.
When panning in Coker Creek, it is helpful to know the history of the land, as water movements can change over time. Tributaries of the main channel of the stream are ideal places to begin gold panning due to potential erosion. Granite, schist, and gneiss are rock types often present in gold-bearing areas, and very dark or reddish soils are usually high in iron content and great places to start panning.
In addition to Coker Creek, other gold-bearing creeks in Monroe County include Tobe, Turkey, Cane, and Citico Creeks. The area between the towns of Tellico Plains and Coker Creek has also proven particularly fruitful for gold panning.
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Gold belts near the North Carolina border
Tennessee has good opportunities for recreational gold prospecting. Gold belts in Tennessee near the North Carolina border are found in the southeastern corner of the state, in the streams draining down from the Blue Ridge Mountains. This gold belt extends throughout the area near the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, in a narrow belt of stream gravels that are about 50 miles long in the southern part of Blount, Monroe, and Polk counties.
The gold belt in Tennessee near the North Carolina border is known as the Blue Hills province, a known gold producer. The Piedmont region of North Carolina, which is peppered with gold mines, borders this province to the east. Gold has been found in the Valley and Ridge province, eroded from mountains in the Piedmont region of North Carolina.
Gold has been recovered from the copper sulfide ores mined around the Ducktown area in Polk County as a byproduct of copper and zinc mining. Polk County, in the far southeast corner of the state, has several areas for panning. The town of Coker Creek in Polk County is one of the county's most popular sites for panning. However, much of the surrounding land is owned by the GPAA, so you must be a member of the group to pan here.
Coker Creek (the creek, not the town) is probably the best known for having gold and is a great place to look. Gold was discovered here in 1831, and a very short-lived gold rush occurred. Original hotspots are said to have paid around $2 per day, but the best areas were quickly depleted, not producing enough gold to cause much excitement.
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Gold in the form of fines and flakes
Gold in Tennessee typically appears in the form of fines and flakes, with the occasional small nugget. The southeast part of the state, especially the creeks and rivers in the counties of Polk, Blount, and Monroe, is the best place to pan for gold.
Gold panning in Tennessee is a recreational activity, as the state's geological landscape does not support large-scale, profitable mining operations. However, Tennessee's gold mining heritage, though modest, is an important part of its history. The initial findings of gold in the state were small-scale, concentrated in streams and rivers, where panning and sluicing became the standard extraction methods.
Today, gold panning enthusiasts and hobbyists continue to visit Tennessee's waterways in search of gold. The Coker Creek region in Polk County is one of the state's most popular sites for panning. Coker Creek, the creek itself, not the town, is probably the best known for containing gold. Gold was discovered there in 1831, and a very short-lived gold rush occurred. However, panning has since been banned in Coker Creek. Nevertheless, using a pan and shovel in Coker Creek on Nantahala National Forest property is legal all the way to the Hiwassee River.
Other popular spots for gold panning in Tennessee include the Tellico River, the Little River, and the area between the towns of Tellico Plains and Coker Creek. Additionally, virtually any stream east of Montvale Springs in Blount County contains small amounts of placer gold. Furthermore, most of the waters that flow between the Tellico and Hawassee Rivers have good potential for gold.
It is important to note that a permit is required for recreational gold prospecting in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issues a "general permit" that allows the holder to use various methods, including pans and traditional sluice boxes, for water-based prospecting exclusively.
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Gold panning in National Forests
Gold panning is a popular recreational activity in Tennessee, with many enthusiasts exploring the state's national forests and other public lands in search of gold. Gold panning in national forests and other public lands is generally permitted without the need for special permits or fees. However, it is important for prospectors to be aware of and adhere to any rules or regulations set by the managing agencies. These guidelines may include restrictions on the use of certain equipment or limitations on the amount of material that can be disturbed during panning to minimise environmental impact.
Tennessee's national forests, such as the Cherokee National Forest, offer beautiful natural settings for gold panning enthusiasts to try their luck. Gold panning maps are available for purchase, providing valuable information on the location of gold sites, streambeds, and placer gold deposits. These maps, enhanced with GPS coordinates, allow prospectors to easily locate potential gold-bearing areas within the national forests.
When panning in national forests, it is crucial to follow responsible and environmentally conscious practices. This includes proper waste disposal and avoiding littering, as Tennessee has strict regulations against littering, with fines imposed for violations. By adhering to these practices, prospectors can ensure they are legal and respectful of the natural environment.
Additionally, while gold panning is permitted on public lands, it is important to respect private property boundaries. Many landowners in Tennessee may grant permission for prospectors to pan on their land, but it is crucial to obtain explicit consent before entering private properties. Overall, gold panning in Tennessee's national forests offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the state's natural areas while engaging in a fulfilling and exciting hobby.
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Frequently asked questions
Gold panning in Tennessee is mostly done in the southeastern corner of the state, in places such as Coker Creek, Cane Creek, and Citico Creek. You can also try your luck in the Little River in Townsend or in any stream east of Montvale Springs in Blount County.
Yes, a permit is required for any type of prospecting in Tennessee. You can obtain a general permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, which allows you to use non-motorized equipment like pans and traditional sluice boxes.
Yes, at the time of writing, there is a dredging ban across most of Tennessee. Panning has also been banned in Coker Creek, although it is still legal to use a pan and shovel in Coker Creek on Nantahala National Forest property.
