How do I Pan for Gold in Helen, Georgia?

Panning for gold in areas such as Helen, Georgia, can be for both fun and profit.

Panning for gold is both a tradition and a hobby for people inspired by the days when gold could be extrapolated from river beds, creeks and streams. It is also an adventure for those who are hoping to get rich quick by finding gold. Gold still lies within some of the more untouched natural waters throughout the United States. The area around Helen, Georgia, is one of the areas you can find gold. Panning for gold takes both patience and planning.

Things You'll Need

• Maps of the area including all rivers, creeks and streams
• GPS or navigational device
• Sieve or other colander for sifting through dirt and rocks
• Bag for collection of items found
• Tweezers
• Magnifying glass
• Digital camera to document what you find

Instructions

1. Check the historical temperature averages at a meteorological weather tracking organization and note the times of year when the temperature is comfortable for you to pan for gold in Helen, Georgia (see Resources for weather information).

2. Use maps provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to choose the area(s) in Helen, Georgia, that you are going to go to to pan for gold. Get or print copies of maps for those specific areas. Detailed maps are available for all areas both within and outside of Helen. For gold panning within Helen, start by studying maps for Smithgall Woods Conservation Park. Highlight areas on the map that have free flowing rivers, streams and creeks. Note on the maps where access roads are closest to all areas and verify that parking is available within a comfortable walking or hiking distance to the bodies of water.

3. Arrive at the panning site just after dawn so that you have plenty of time to pan for gold before sunset. Use traditional panning techniques such as scooping water and soil from various areas of the river, creek or stream beds and sifting the materials through the colander device to extrapolate gold. Repeat the process throughout various areas of each water body. Move on to other areas to pan for gold if you have not found anything at the first site.

4. Save all gold in plastic bags that do not have any holes. Note where you found gold and where you had no success on the maps.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all gold that you find on your person and in a safe location once you leave.

• Do not hike or travel too far in to wooded areas without taking a GPS and cellphone with you and letting someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

References

• Helen Chamber of Commerce
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources: Smithgall Woods Conservation Park

Resources

• The Weather Channel: Average Weather For Helen, Georgia