Other
The bedrock of the White Mountains is mostly composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, with numerous intrusions and contact zones between different rock types. From the Conway granite of the White Mountain batholith to the thick deposits of the Moat Mountain volcanic rocks, all overlain by glacial tills, this geology has resulted in diverse but limited mineral deposits in various locations across the Forest.
Geocaching & Letterboxing
Geocaching is not allowed within designated Wilderness or alpine areas of the White Mountain National Forest. (Alpine is defined as an area where trees are 8 feet tall or less.) This prohibition is designed to protect fragile areas from too much use or signs of human presence. Geocaching is currently allowed in other parts of the National Forest. To help ensure that it stays that way, practice Leave No Trace ethics every time you go out.
Rocks and Minerals
Gold Panning
Gold is associated with a wide variety of rock types (granitic and volcanic rocks in particular) and sediment types (stream gravels and stratified glacial material). There is a history of gold recovery in the Ammonoosuc River basin, in particular the Wild Ammonoosuc River and Tunnel Brook.
Gold Panning Permit Info
A free permit is required for gold panning.
Where to Pan for Gold?
Gold panning on the White Mountain National Forest is a recreational activity that occurs mainly on the Pemigewasset Ranger District on the west side of the White Mountain National Forest.
Rockhounding
The bedrock of the White Mountains is mostly composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, with numerous intrusions and contact zones between different rock types. From the Conway granite of the White Mountain batholith to the thick deposits of the Moat Mountain volcanic rocks, all overlain by glacial tills, this geology has resulted in diverse but limited mineral deposits in various locations across the Forest.
Saco Ranger District
- Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area
- Lord Hill Mineral Collecting Area
- Moat Mountain Mineral Site Trailhead
Where can I mineral collect on the WMNF?
Surface disturbing mineral collecting is allowed with a permit at designated mineral collecting areas:
Non –surface disturbing mineral collecting (i.e. picking up a rock) is allowed without a permit except for the following management areas:
- Alpine Zones
- Experimental Forests
- Appalachian Trail
- Research Natural Areas
What is surface disturbing mineral collecting?
The use of any hand tool constitutes surface disturbance. Surface disturbing mineral collecting is removing, digging in, excavating, disturbing, destroying, or in any way damaging any natural or cultural resource.
Where can I pan for gold?
Gold panning occurs mainly on the Pemigewasset Ranger District. There is a history of gold recovery in the Ammonoosuc River basin in particular the Wild Ammonoosuc River and Tunnel Brook.
Where can I get information about the mineral collecting sites on the White Mountain National Forest?
Information is available at the Moat Mountain, Deer Hill and Lord Hill mineral site kiosks and the White Mountain National Forest website.
What kind of rocks and minerals will I find on the White Mountain National Forest?
Smoky quartz, microcline (amazonite), beryl, amethyst and topaz are the most commonly sought after minerals. These minerals are found in granite rock units.
Is there a fee for a permit?
There is no fee for the permit
Where can I get a permit?
Mineral collecting permits are available at the three designated mineral collecting areas: Deer Hill trailhead, Moat Mountain mineral site trailhead and the Lord Hill mine site.
Gold panning permits are available through any White Mountain National Forest District Office.
How much material can I collect?
Mineral collecting is limited to 50lbs. / one 5 gallon bucket of material per permit.
Why do I need a permit to pan for gold and mineral collect?
As stated in the 2005 White Mountain National Forest Plan, S-1:
“The collection of mineral specimens for personal use is allowed without a permit as long as there is no surface disturbance, except within officially designated fee free collecting areas and other restricted areas.”
Why can’t I use a sluice box for gold panning?
As stated in the 2005 White Mountain National Forest Plan, S-4:
“When surface disturbing collection activities are allowed through a permit, the following are required:
Answer: Only hand tools are permitted. The use of power, mechanized equipment, or explosives for recreational collecting of geologic resources, including gold recovery activities, is prohibited. This includes sluice boxes, rocker boxes, and dredges."
What hand tools do I need?
Mineral collecting:
- Rock hammer, chisels, safety glasses, sifting screen and a hand trowel.
Gold Panning:
- Small trowel or similar digging tool for scooping sediment and a gold pan.
Miscellaneous
Metal Detecting
The use of metal detectors within the White Mountain National Forest is allowed only in the instance of hobby collecting of coins, jewelry, and other incidental metallic items. Surface disturbance must be kept minimal. Individuals may not use shovels to excavate holes or otherwise alter the surface of the ground.
Metal detecting hobbyists must take special notice of federal regulations related to historical artifacts. Using a metal detector to locate archaeological or historical remains is subject to the Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) and requires a special use permit. Such permits are granted for scientific research only.
Metal detecting is not allowed:
- In designated historic sites within the White Mountain National Forest or within sites that are readily apparent as possible archaeological sites (cellar hole depressions, logging camp ruins, stone foundations, etc). If you inadvertently stumble upon archaeological remnants, immediately cease metal detecting and report the location to a local ranger station.
- In prospecting for gold. The only way to hobby collect gold in the White Mountain National Forest is through a free permit for gold panning the rivers.
- In collecting minerals in one of the designated mineral collecting sites of the White Mountain National Forest.
Additionally, the possession of a metal detector is prohibited within designated Wilderness Area.
Search for Other Opportunities
No Results