17 Unexpected Places in America Where You Can Pan for Gold

Gold has captured people’s imagination for centuries, and the thrill of finding it still excites many today. While most think of California or Alaska for gold panning, there are surprising spots across America where you can try your luck at striking it rich. These hidden gems offer a chance to experience the rush of gold fever without traveling to well-known locations. Read on for 17 unexpected places in America to pan for gold.

Reed Gold Mine, North Carolina

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Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold found in the United States. Visitors can pan for gold in a specially prepared creek, tour the underground mine, and learn about the area’s rich history. The site offers guided tours and hands-on experiences for all ages. It’s a great place to start your gold panning adventure and get a taste of what life was like during the Carolina Gold Rush.

Gila National Forest, New Mexico

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Gila National Forest is a hidden treasure for gold-panning enthusiasts. The forest’s rivers and streams offer opportunities to find gold flakes and small nuggets. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery while trying their luck at panning. The area’s rich mining history adds to the excitement of searching for gold in this unexpected location.

Cripple Creek, Colorado

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Cripple Creek is a former gold mining town that still offers gold panning opportunities. Visitors can try their luck at various creeks in the area or join guided tours to learn proper panning techniques. The town’s historic charm and nearby attractions make it a fun destination for gold seekers of all ages. You can also explore old mine sites and learn about the town’s gold rush history.

Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

Image Credit: “Crater of Diamonds State Park sign” by holdit. is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/?ref=openverse.

While not technically gold panning, Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a unique treasure-hunting experience. Visitors can search for diamonds and other precious stones in the park’s 37-acre field. The park provides tools and instructions for searching, making it easy for beginners to join in the fun. It’s a great place to combine the thrill of prospecting with the chance to find valuable gems.

South Yuba River State Park, California

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South Yuba River State Park offers a less crowded alternative to popular California gold panning spots. The park’s rivers and streams still contain gold, and visitors can try their luck at panning. The beautiful scenery and hiking trails make it a great outdoor destination. Park rangers often offer demonstrations and tips for successful gold panning.

Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

Image Credit: “Day 275 – Mountain Views. Nantahala National Forest near Frankin, NC.” by StephenGA is marked with CC0 1.0.

Nantahala National Forest is home to several streams where visitors can pan for gold. The forest’s rich mining history and beautiful scenery make it an ideal spot for combining outdoor adventure with gold panning. Visitors can obtain free panning permits and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while searching for gold flakes. The area also offers camping and hiking opportunities for a full outdoor experience.

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Image Credit: “scenery shot Kenai Peninsula, Alaska” by U.S. Department of the Interior is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Kenai Peninsula offers gold panning opportunities away from the more famous Alaskan gold fields. Visitors can try their luck in various creeks and rivers throughout the peninsula. The stunning scenery and chance to see wildlife add to the excitement of gold panning in this remote location. Local tour operators offer guided trips for those new to gold panning in Alaska.

Prescott National Forest, Arizona

Image Credit: “Prescott National Forest, Arizona” by mattk1979 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Prescott National Forest is an unexpected place to pan for gold in Arizona. The forest’s streams and creeks offer opportunities to find gold flakes and small nuggets. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful desert landscape while searching for gold. The area’s rich mining history adds to the excitement of panning in this unexpected location.

Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina

Image Credit: “Uwharrie National Forest Picnic Area – panoramio” by Idawriter is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Uwharrie National Forest is a hidden gem for gold panning enthusiasts in North Carolina. The forest’s rivers and streams offer opportunities to find gold flakes and small nuggets. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while trying their luck at panning. The area’s long history of gold mining adds to the excitement of searching for gold in this unexpected location.

Wayne National Forest, Ohio

Image Credit: “Wayne National Forest Headquarters, Athens Ranger Station, and Visitor Center” by Wayne National Forest is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

Wayne National Forest in Ohio is an unexpected place to pan for gold. The forest’s streams and creeks offer opportunities to find small amounts of gold. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Appalachian scenery while searching for gold flakes. The area’s unique geology and mining history make it an interesting destination for gold panning enthusiasts.

Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

Image Credit: “Mark Twain National Forest” by Chicago Man is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Mark Twain National Forest offers gold panning opportunities in the heart of Missouri. Visitors can try their luck in various creeks and streams throughout the forest. The beautiful Ozark scenery and a chance to find gold make it an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest also offers camping and hiking opportunities for a full outdoor adventure.

Chugach National Forest, Alaska

Image Credit: “Alaska – Chugach National Forest” by Daxis is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Chugach National Forest provides a less crowded alternative to popular Alaskan gold panning spots. The forest’s rivers and streams still contain gold, and visitors can try their luck at panning. The stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities make it a great outdoor destination. Local outfitters offer guided gold panning trips for those new to the activity.

Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

Image Credit: “Daniel Boone National Forest” by vynsane is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Daniel Boone National Forest is a surprising place to pan for gold in Kentucky. The forest’s streams and creeks offer opportunities to find small amounts of gold. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Appalachian scenery while searching for gold flakes. The area’s rich history and outdoor recreation options make it a great destination for gold panning enthusiasts.

Gallatin National Forest, Montana

Image Credit: “Custer Gallatin National Forest: Yellowstone River and Electric Peak” by YellowstoneNPS is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

Gallatin National Forest offers gold panning opportunities in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Montana. Visitors can try their luck in various creeks and streams throughout the forest. The stunning mountain scenery and the chance to find gold make it an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest also offers camping and hiking opportunities for a full outdoor adventure.

Coronado National Forest, Arizona

Image Credit: “Road Into Coronado National Forest” by jmeissen is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Coronado National Forest is an unexpected place to pan for gold in southern Arizona. The forest’s streams and creeks offer opportunities to find gold flakes and small nuggets. Visitors can enjoy the unique desert and mountain landscapes while searching for gold. The area’s rich mining history adds to the excitement of panning in this unexpected location.

Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

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Monongahela National Forest provides gold panning opportunities in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Visitors can try their luck in various creeks and streams throughout the forest. The beautiful mountain scenery and chance to find gold make it an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest also offers camping and hiking opportunities for a full outdoor adventure.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Georgia

Image Credit: “Chattahoochee Oconee National Forests” by US Forest Service – Southern Region is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests offer gold panning opportunities in the northern part of Georgia. Visitors can try their luck in various creeks and streams throughout the forests. The beautiful mountain scenery and the chance to find gold make it an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area’s rich mining history adds to the thrill of searching for gold in this unexpected location

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Victoria Omololu

Victoria Omololu is a fashionista exploring the world on a budget. She co-founded Only Earthlings in 2023 to show her travels in North America, Europe, Africa, and everywhere else. Victoria loves writing about travel tips, itineraries, packing guides, and taking photography from all over the world.

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