Hunting gold in North Carolina is a great past time for families to enjoy the great outdoors. Gold was first discovered in North Carolina in 1799 by a young boy named Conrad Reed at what is now known as Reed Gold Mine located in Midland, North Carolina. Most old gold mines located in North Carolina are owned by the state or by private owners. Most of these locations allow public access to pan, sluice or dredge for gold. However, you’ll have to pay a fee that is very reasonable and worth it if you’re a dedicated gold prospector. Places to find gold in North Carolina are:
Reed Gold Mine located in Midland, North Carolina which is now a state historic site that is free to the public with a guided tour that takes you underneath the ground to view how they mined for gold in the old days. Within the gold mine you can buy pans of dirt for $2.00 each and try your hand at finding some of the gold in the North Carolina Mountains. Little Meadow creek runs through the property, but gold prospectors can not pan directly in the creek because of the designation of the gold mine by the state of North Carolina. Visit here to find out more information on Reed’s Gold Mine.
Another relatively new place that has opened up for gold prospecting in North Carolina is Bearfoot Gold located close to Robbins, North Carolina. The property is in Moore County, North Carolina and only a few miles from the Uwharrie River. The property is secluded and only allows around 10 gold prospectors onsite to avoid crowds and allow gold prospectors the chance to find gold without being overcrowded. You can call (910) 639-8237 to find out information and book your visit. Camping is allowed free of charge on the property with either a tent or pop up camper. Individual gold prospector rates are $40 per day and the gold mine is open 7-days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also rent a highbanker or dredge at the location. The property has not had much renovation, but this was on purpose to allow gold prospectors the opportunity to explore and stake their claim to a certain area while prospecting for gold. Visit here to find out about Bearfoot Gold Mine
Thermal City Gold Mine is another location for finding gold in North Carolina. The gold mine is located on Highway 21 on the Rutherford/McDowell county line. You can search for gems as well as gold on this site. This mine is only open to the public at certain times of the year. This a great gold mine that prospectors can visit to find gold and meet other prospectors in North Carolina. Camping is offered and there’s a few cabins that you can rent if you don’t want to camp in a tent or camper. This gold mine is a great family site because if you don’t want to prospect for gold you can try your luck at finding some raw gems. Visit here to view the Thermal City Gold Mine.
These locations are not the only places to find gold in North Carolina, but if you prospect for gold on public land find out the rules and regulations. Also, don’t be afraid to ask private landowners if you can enter their property to prospect for gold. Just don’t go on someone’s property without permission to prospect for gold. Also, be careful because once you get the “Gold Fever” you’ll be trying everywhere to find gold. Don’t skip small streams and rivers around your area because you just never know where gold will be found in North Carolina.
