Looking for Metal detecting sites in Raleigh, NC area

[jtorres]

Does anyone know any places around Raleigh I can go metal detecting. I just bought my first metal detector and I'm really itching to try it out. I was really kinda bummed out when I found out that so many places frown on metal detectors. I wanted to go out tomorrow and Jan 27, 2006 and do some MDing but I really don't have any idea where to go, without risking getting in trouble or angering someone. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I think I am most interested in nugget hunting but at this point any type of metal detecting sounds good. If anyone is from the Raleigh, NC area and wants to go out tomorrow morning or could tell me a place to go give me a call (919) 342-5132 and ask for John or send me an email at jtorres@nc.rr.com . I don't mind paying a fee if I have to.

John

[jimfnc]

i live in greensboro (100 miles west of raleigh to those not in the areas). I'm still trying to figure out where to go. I did joing the GPAA organization and they are sending a book of mining sites (state by state i think). The Map of North Carolina Gold (www.goldmaps.com) shows a couple mine sites north side of Chapel Hill, a few between Chapel hill & High Point, then the bulk to the south & west of High Point. I've got a beach detector (Excalibur) but not a specific gold detector. If you find a place legal to hunt in the area I'd be interested. jim

[jtorres]

Thanks for the reply Jim,
I went out yesterday to a city park that is fairly new and did a little detecting around the edge of the forest. I kept finding clipped pieces of a chain link fence though. After digging up the fifth piece of chain link fence, I decided I better find a better spot. I bought a Gold Prospector Magazine and I read about the GPAA that you mentioned. I am going to join myself and see if that helps me find some good spots. I read that the GPAA has claims that members can mine/detect on, so that could be cool. I just bought a Minelab GP-3500, I read some reviews and it seemed it was a good gold detector ( good chain link fence detector for sure ). I'll let you know if I find a good spot.

John

[jimfnc]

I have been looking at the GP-3500 specs and it seems very impressive, and hoping to get one some day. Have always beleived in quality equipment. I have has similar results in some local parks. The GPAA is such a minor investment compared to all the other equipment. The other forum in Treasurenet - dredging/panning/sluicing has a number of informative posts for NC. They mention a large number of places, but not always clear where nugget hunting with a metal detector is allowed versus panning. I have read the National Forests are open to hand panning only, and any detecting can get your detector confiscated.

[Sandpit]

jimfnc,
You can metal detect in the Uwharrie National Forest at Troy, N.C., but you have to apply for a permit. Which requires you to identify area of use and a map. Process supposedly takes three weeks and permit is good for three months. No fee for permit. LOL

[B|lker]

Just found a nice large piece of lead in a raleigh glenwood avenue park which was recommened in another post on this site.
I also found 2 quarters
I will return there soon for further detecting as it used to be a childrens home in the late 1800`s
Good luck and its near downtown.

For gold you might try any creek west of chapel hill which is in the slate belt of the east coast.

[jimfnc]

(i posted this on another site)
The following publications may help. Several are out of print - i purchased used on www.abebooks.com a website market for thousands of booksellers.
1. Gold Deposits in North Carolina by Herman Bryson 1936
North Carolina Dept of Conservation and Development - Bulletin 38
covers Eastern Carolina Belt, Slate Belt, and all the other belts in NC
2. Gold Resources of North Carolina by P.A. Carpenter III
North Carolina Dept Natural Resources - Information Circular 21
2 editions: 1972 and 1978 i got both - they are different
3. Metallic Mineral Depositsof the Carolina Slate Belt by P.A> Carpenter III
North Carolina Dept Natural Resources - Bulletin 84 - 1976
detailed description, mine by mine - nice map! - Slate Belt only..