Metal Detecting at Chattooga Wild & Scenic River Corridor (USFS)
Rabun County · North Georgia · National Forest
Last verified:
The rules
Inside the congressionally designated Chattooga Wild & Scenic River corridor, recreational mineral collecting and metal detecting are not allowed — USFS policy excludes wilderness, historic trails and wild-and-scenic-river corridors — and disturbing or removing any archaeological or historic resource is prohibited (36 CFR 261.9, ARPA). General Chattahoochee NF land outside such corridors follows the forest's normal detecting guidance.
Permit: N/A
📞 Call ahead: 706-754-6221 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
DO NOT detect — the wild Chattooga (of 'Deliverance' fame) is a protected wild-and-scenic corridor closed to detecting and artifact collecting; detect general national-forest land away from the river and historic sites instead.
This spot is off-limits — try one of the allowed Georgia spots instead, then gear up below.
More spots nearby: North Georgia Mountains (Gold Country) · See the full Georgia metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: USDA Forest Service — Chattahoochee-Oconee NF (recreation / collecting) + 36 CFR 261.9. Verify against the managing authority before detecting.