Conrad Reed's discovery of a 17-pound gold nugget in 1799 along Little Meadow Creek marked the first documented gold claim in the US.
Panning for gold in Crow Creek, Alaska, dates back to 1897 when the first claims were made near the stream's mouth, offering visitors a chance to try their luck amidst stunning scenery.
The 1876 gold rush in South Dakota's Black Hills, sparked by gold deposits found in Deadwood Creek, continues to attract prospectors interested in panning for gold.
Recreational gold prospecting is permitted in designated public areas and private lands with permission from the landowner, with the American River in California offering such opportunities.
Flowing through Eldorado National Forest, the Cosumnes River provides ample opportunities for gold panning, with nearby camping grounds accommodating prospectors.
Prospecting for gold on federal land in Nevada, if unclaimed, allows individuals to stake a mining claim, a practice also observed in states like California, Colorado, and Alaska.
With a rich history of gold mining, Jamestown offers gold panning tours, making it a popular destination for enthusiasts.
Arapahoe Bar along Clear Creek in Colorado is a haven for recreational prospectors, permitting panning, sluicing, and digging for gold on its riverbed.
Dahlonega, Georgia, experienced an American gold rush in 1828, drawing prospectors to sites like the Consolidated Gold Mine in search of the precious metal.