Georgia

Rockhounding Regulations

General Rules

  • • Limited USFS lands allow small amounts for personal use
  • • Hand tools only on federal lands
  • • Most gold panning and collecting on private property
  • • Reasonable amounts (about 10 pounds) on National Forest
  • • Materials for personal use only

Permits & Licenses

  • • State Parks prohibit collecting without special permission
  • • USFS lands generally don't require permits for personal use
  • • Private mines charge admission fees
  • • Commercial collecting requires permits

Restrictions

  • • State Parks: Leave all geological features undisturbed
  • • National Parks prohibit all collecting
  • • Protected areas and archaeological sites off-limits
  • • Many areas require landowner permission

Contacts

  • • Georgia State Parks: (404) 656-3530
  • • Georgia Geological Survey: (404) 656-3214
  • • Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: (770) 297-3000