Metal Detecting at Lake Chatuge (TVA)
Towns County · North Georgia · Utility lake
Last verified:
The rules
TVA prohibits the use of metal detectors on TVA public land and treats artifacts as protected resources that must be left in place (permits discontinued). Surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest land follows separate NF rules — detecting generally allowed away from historic/archaeological sites, no digging tools, no keeping artifacts.
Permit: N/A (TVA detecting permits discontinued)
📞 Call ahead: 706-745-6928 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
DO NOT detect on TVA land — a TVA reservoir straddling the Georgia–North Carolina line near Hiawassee; detecting is banned on TVA public land, so keep to general NF forest ground away from historic sites.
This spot is off-limits — try one of the allowed Georgia spots instead, then gear up below.
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More spots nearby: North Georgia Mountains (Gold Country) · See the full Georgia metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: Tennessee Valley Authority — Rules for Use of TVA Public Lands / TVA Archaeology. Verify against the managing authority before detecting.