Most of the gold in Tennessee is in a narrow belt along the North Carolina border. Tennessee has produced 23,800 ounces of gold from 1831 until 1959. Most of that was a by product of the Ducktown copper ores in Polk County. The placer deposits along Coker Creek seem to be of the most interest to recreational prospectors. The Recreational Gold Company has a camp located at Coker Creek Village and the offer camping, lodging, food, and prospecting classes. Most of the areas are in the Cherokee National Forest and panning is allowed, but you need special permits to dredge, high bank, etc. Prospecting of private land requires owners written permission by state law.