Alabamians into gold panning / prospecting? Heflin area... (Birmingham, Montgomery: apartment, renting)

[ty1969]

I know Alabama has a history of gold production. I want to move to an area that has recreational gold panning / prospecting available. It would have to be on public land because I don't own land, nor know anyone who does. I am seriously looking at moving to a Western state. Still, I know Alabama's gold history and it is a closer / cheaper move. I am curious about relocating in the Heflin area. The only thing really holding me back about moving anywhere in the South is the heat & humidity. I'm 40 years old and have always lived in the Memphis, TN metro area where it's very hot and humid. Moving out west negates the humidity a great deal. I know a more mountainious location, say above 1000 - 1500 feet, will not be as humid either, thus the thought of moving to Alabama even though it gets really hot & humid.

I do not want to live in a big city...something with 30,000 people or smaller would be good. I grew up in a town of 4,000 and that would be ideal. I work doing AP & AR -Office management, so I don't have to live in a certain area to get work. I'd like to live in a smaller town and commute to a larger city if need be. I'd be renting an apartment for myself. I am divorced with no kids and panning / prospecting is my major weekend hobby when I have access.

The Talladega National Forest has some gold in the streams, and panning is allowed, but not sure about using a dredge or highbanker? I have read Cleburne county was a big producer as well. I got into gold panning in an area that historically had no gold, but managed to find some, and it was really enjoyable and "de-stressed me". I know moving to an area where I can actually find gold would be a bonus. I've heard the Alabama gold belt is in the east central part of the state and runs basically north of Montgomery to about Birmingham. I know Georiga might have more gold and is a good place to prospect, but I do not want to be close to Atlanta. Too big and crowded, just like Memphis where I am now.

Thanks for any ideas -suggestions...

[harry chickpea]

There were some of the original settlers around here that found small amounts in local streams, but not enough to make it worthwhile. We are at 800' and about the only part of AL that gets much higher is Lookout Mountain area, in the northeast section of the state.

[Southlander]

The husband's Boy Scout troop went panning for gold in the Mount Cheaha area a few weeks ago. I don't know if they found anything, but apparently that area is known for gold panning...it was news to me, and I've been in Alabama for 45+ years!

Don't know about using other methods to find gold. You would also be fairly close to the Villa Rica, Ga., area, which is the site of the first Georgia "gold rush" and got its name from the amount of gold found there.

[ty1969]

Well, I've read several sources online that gold was more prominant in Alabama than these descriptions. Anyone else?

[maryhanbury69]

My Family and I live in Oxford AL. We have been panning in Heflin and the Talladega National forest. Have not found anything yet. Alot of Mica which I thought was gold lol. But still alot of fun and stess releiver.

[Miv]

My family lives in the Talladega area. I am very interested in panning for gold in TNF, but not until it gets warm.

[Speir8898]

My two boys and I are also interested in panning for gold. I have been looking at the possibility of driving over to Alabama to spend a week or so but don't know where to go. I do know that there is public land available to pan on, but I'm not sure where to go. How would I find out which land is available, and which land does someone have a claim on?