Newbie headed out on first prospecting trip

[EmeraldCoast]

Hello All,

Wife and I are new here and first timers to prospecting. Our panning, classifier and miscellaneous equipment is in the mail and should arrive within a week...very excited to take our first trip! Our first trip is planned for the Talladega National Forest of Alabama. We have a few questions we would like to ask about this area:

1. Are all areas of the national forest open to the public for panning in creeks?
2. How will i know what areas are open to the public?
3. Are there any fee's we must pay to the Forestry for a permit?

I have looked at Google Earth and looks like a Talladega creek and branches on the south side of hwy 158 and Clairmont Springs Rd could be promising! Any info on that area would be appreciated.

 

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[SLNugget]

I would recommend joining a local club to get some information and experience before heading out on your own. Take a look at Doc's forums at GoldHog.com for info on the Southeast gold scene. The Talledega National Forest website should have some info on panning and prospecting there. It may not be absolutely correct but it is a starting point.

 

[utah mason]

Have you checked out the forest service website for the area? They probably have some contact info listed, maybe phone # for ranger station. I bet they can answer your questions. The rangers I talked to in the area I first started in ( this is my first year also) gave me a great history of mines in the area, and also were the best areas to start in were. And also what was allowed. I.e. when you can dredge, sluice and pan. Hope you have a good trip and find some color.

 

[chopgoddess]

Hey were you and your wife maybe wanting a couple too go with you me and my husband just moved too Talladega and live close by and where did y'all order stuff..we r really interested

 

[GoldpannerDave]

Some of that area is not actually public, but private land. Hopefully some of the above suggestions will help.