Prospecting for gold is still a popular pastime in the North Georgia mountains.
Though most people think of California when they think of America's gold rush, the North Georgia mountains were the site of the first gold rush in the United States. Mines operated there continuously from the early 1800s until 1933, and even tough the mines aren't operational anymore, prospectors can still find flakes of gold in the nearby mountain streams. Panning for gold remains big business, and you can pan for the coveted metal at former mountain mines in Georgia.
Crisson Gold Mine
Crisson Gold Mine is North Georgia's oldest working mine, and it has been a popular destination for amateur miners since it opened to the public in 1969.
New miners can buy a 5-pound bucket of crushed quartz to pan by hand; experienced miners can make use of the mine's trommels, machines that quickly and efficiently separate sand from rock. The mine also imports rock from North Carolina's gem country for people who want to pan for gems as well as for gold. You also can check out a collection of antique mining equipment.
Crisson Gold Mine
2736 Morrison Moore Pkwy. E.
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-864-6363
crissongoldmine.com
Consolidated Gold Mines
Work with an experienced gold panning instructor when you swirl your stuff at the Consolidated Gold Mine in Dahlonega, Georgia. Take an underground tour of the former mine and try a complimentary sample pan at the tour's conclusion, or you can purchase an inexpensive beginner's pan to try your hand.
If you have a little more experience, you might want to invest in a larger pan with a higher concentration of gold ore. The tour is a good opportunity to learn about the geology of the Georgia mountains and to check out antique mining equipment as you explore the winding underground tunnels.
Consolidated Gold Mines
185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-864-8473
consolidatedgoldmine.com
Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mine
Grab a small, large or family size bucket and try your luck panning for gold at the Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mine near Helen, Georgia. Because the mine has specialists on staff to help you pan properly and to identify anything you find as well as a gold-in-every-bucket guarantee, it's a good place to pan with kids.
You can also pan for gems, fossils and quartz crystals at Dukes Creek. The store on site sells Native American pottery, jewelry and Arizona fossils as well as settings for the gems and gold you find panning.
Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mine
6145 Helen Hwy.
Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
706-878-2625
dukescreek.com
Tags: Gold Mine, Consolidated Gold, Dukes Creek, Creek Gold, Creek Gold Ruby
