Going to America!

[king arthur]

Hi all
in about a week I am going to Bryson city in north Carolina and want to bring my metal detector. We will be traveling around by the coast quite a lot so was wondering if anyone knew the laws about beach detecting over there? also does anyone know if there are any places inland you don't need permission to search?

thanks KA

[timesearch]

Given that you can shoot anywhere on public land in the States I would imagine that the situation is the same with detecting, apart from possibly national parks and known battlefields. The best plan would be to check online with someone in Carolina online, as state laws vary, so best to make sure before you head out. I was in California a few years ago and found it fascinating, because it has loads of ghost towns which must be full of artefacts and gold dust under the floors of buildings used to weigh what the miners found.

[ecoast]

some of our national seashore is prohibited, but if it's not as such, enjoy yourself!

[king arthur]

thanks guys, I am so exited

[lemanlures]

here you go, see below link to NC metal detecting laws and regulations:

http://www.mdhtalk.org/cf/city-regulation.cfm?st=NC" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Basically, it is only illegal to Metal Detect in a National (state) Park, Recreational Area or at a National Monument. Detecting in public parks and beaches requires no permission and detecting private property just requires the owners permission.

Simon

[Al(GA)]

Hi KA,

I live about a hour away from Bryson City in NC. Like others have said ---- coastal beaches pose no problem. Federal and most state parks tend to be off limits to detecting. Private areas, it is best to get permission but some don't (you take a chance there). You will also notice many rivers/lakes around the Bryson City area but many are under the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) who built dams, etc. back during the 1930's & 40's. They have a strict no detecting policy. Always ask the rangers or persons in charge of these areas FIRST, because you could get in big trouble on those waterways/beaches (inland) if caught detecting on TVA property.

Another item you may encounter is Indian land. The Cherokee tribe owns land around Bryson (town of Cherokee), so if it's posted Indian land --- stay off! The town of Cherokee has a casino and lots of things for the tourist to visit and enjoy but they frown on detecting.

The Natahala river/gorge is just outside Bryson City and it is a beautiful mountain stream with white water rapids in some parts. It cuts through the mountains and a must do if you enjoy tubing, rafting or kayaking down the river. It's a big tourist attraction and well worth doing if you are into that.

Shoot me a e-mail if you have any specific questions and good luck on your trip!

Al

[Skialps]

some of our national seashore is prohibited, but if it's not as such, enjoy yourself!

Now by the looks of things you may live on the east coast, ecoast? I too will be visiting America on the east coast Delaware in November and very much looking forward to it. I think there are bye law restrictions on Bethany Beach but not so much on Lewes beaches, is this your area and would that be a fair statement?

[ecoast]

I'm 150-200 miles north of that location...

I do not think that either is 'national seashore' so you should be good to go.

I suggest calling your hotel to see if there are 'any restrictions to metal detecting' they may know of...

If one or the other beach is not permitted, just drive a bit to the next...

[Skialps]

I'm 150-200 miles north of that location...

I do not think that either is 'national seashore' so you should be good to go.

I suggest calling your hotel to see if there are 'any restrictions to metal detecting' they may know of...

If one or the other beach is not permitted, just drive a bit to the next...

Thank you ecoast for the suggestions and information ( and sorry King Arthur for hi jacking, over enthusiastic I guess ) I will definitely do some local enquiries.