Metal Detecting at Smithgall Woods State Park
White County · North Georgia · State Park
Last verified:
The rules
Georgia State Parks rules prohibit metal detecting and even possessing metal-detecting equipment; artifacts and features are protected (OCGA 12-3-10(n), 12-3-52).
Permit: N/A
📞 Call ahead: 706-878-3087 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
DO NOT detect — this 5,800-acre trout preserve near Helen surrounds Dukes Creek, a site of Georgia's 1828 gold rush, but it is now protected state land where detecting (and even carrying a detector) is banned.
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: Georgia State Parks — Park Rules & Regulations. Verify against the managing authority before detecting.