Metal Detecting In Locations You May Not Think Of

P. Vincent | 2:10 PM | 0 comments

What could this group drop??
Abandoned Areas:
In the west there is a huge network of abandoned highways. My favorite in Utah is highway 6, where I've unearthed many coins and tax tokens from the 1930's on up. My other favorite in the west are abandoned mining sites. From small towns to early exploratory digs there are thousands to explore.

Winter Sledding Spots:
This one most think of, but keep it high on your list because it's a renewable resource. Most targets are at the top and the bottom of the hill.

Ski Lifts:
Another western states specialty. Just be aware of the regulations for detecting on Forest Service Lands, which is where most ski resorts reside. These areas are gold and silver ring factories...and in the last 5 years smart phones are popping up like weeds out there. With the huge variety of people that use the lifts you never know what you may find! 

Old Railroad Rail Lines:
Look to resources like GenDisasters for an incredible wealth of information on historic train wrecks, bank robberies, lost stage coaches, downed airplanes, all the way back into the early 1800's. The country is crisscrossed with old and abandoned railroad railroad line. Many abandoned rail beds have been converted to "Rails-to-Trail" hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling trails and are easy to find. Others are overgrown but can be spotted by their constant-grade profile. Old maps in your state library will show the location of many old railroad lines. Once located, and permission to prospect is granted, begin your search in the areas around the old station buildings. These are the most productive area as coins were handled there. But under no circumstance should you approach active railroad lines because of the obvious danger from trains and the sensitivity of railroad police to intruders.

Rivers and Waterways:
Many towns, villages and cities throughout North America boast significant historical value. Do not overlook the shoreline along rivers and waterways adjacent to those communities. Since water routes were the major means of travel over past centuries, there is much to find along the banks. I have found everything from old money to firearms, native trinkets, metal money boxes (sometimes with contents intact), fobs, watches and even nagivational instruments. Don't forget to search out into the water a ways. This is where it is important to own a waterproof detector. The past is waiting to be discovered right in your own community.

City Drains:
Most cities have storm drains that eventually dump into rivers or streams. Where the concrete ends and the dirt or gravel begins can be a productive sit.

Outdoor Movies:
It is becoming very popular in local communities to have free outdoor movies at parks or schools. Find out when the movies play, then go enjoy them, and then the day after hit it with the detector.

Airport Public Viewing Areas:
I have found all kinds of coins at these locations. People sit on the grass and kids are playing as they wait for the planes to land or take off, it's very similar to areas where people watch fireworks.

Please add your favorites here, I promise not to claim jump you...

Category: , , , , , , , ,

About Cold4Gold:
Just another middle aged guy obsessed with metal detecting and gold prospecting. I spend my extra time skiing, rafting, camping, hiking and biking....really I'll do anything for a little extra time outside.

0 comments