In Part 1 of our guide to finding Gold in Pennsylvania we covered the types of gold that can be found as well as some of the best general areas to look for gold. In Part 2, we are going to get more specific about the spots where gold has been found in the state.

We will go through a few places in-depth and then provide a longer list of options below that.

Some Great Places To Start Finding Gold

Here are some of the better places in the state to start looking for gold. Before you head out don’t forget to check out our beginners guide to gold hunting equipment. There are surprisingly few pieces of gear that you need to beatable to find a lot of gold. You don’t want to get all the way out there and not be able to collect all the gold!

Susquehanna River

The Susquehanna River in Lancaster County is a treasure trove for gold seekers. This mighty waterway, flowing through the southern part of the state, has a rich history of gold discoveries.

The river’s geology, shaped by ancient glacial activity, creates perfect conditions for gold deposits. Placer gold washed down from the Appalachian Mountains over millions of years and settled in the river’s gravel bars and sandy banks.

Best spots for prospecting include areas with natural bends, where the river slows down and deposits heavier materials. The confluence of smaller streams with the main river is another hotspot.

Look for black sand, a telltale sign of potential gold presence. The river’s ever-changing nature means new gold deposits can appear after heavy rains or spring thaws.

Interestingly, the Susquehanna also boasts mysterious petroglyphs, adding a touch of ancient intrigue to your gold-hunting adventure.

Teeter Quarry

Teeter Quarry, also known as Gettysburg Quarry, is a quarry located in Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania. It is situated in the southern part of the state, along Route 97, about 0.5 miles west of Route 15.

The quarry boasts Mesozoic hornfels and borders the York Haven Diabase, creating a unique geological playground. Its 90-million-year-old diabase trap rock sets the stage for exciting mineral discoveries.

The precious metal hides in the diabase rock’s cracks and seams. These mineralized areas are your best bet for striking gold. But that’s not all – keep an eye out for epidote and stilbite, two other minerals that call this quarry home.

Teeter Quarry’s location near the historic Gettysburg battlefield adds an extra layer of intrigue. After your rockhounding adventure, you’re just a stone’s throw away from exploring Civil War history.

Peters Creek

Peters Creek is a stream located in the southern part of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The creek is part of the larger watershed that eventually feeds into the Susquehanna River.

The creek’s unique geology, shaped by ancient processes, creates an ideal environment for gold deposits. Quartz veins run through the area’s sedimentary rocks, often a telltale sign of gold presence.

For the best chances of striking gold, focus on the creek’s bends and wider sections. These spots tend to accumulate heavier minerals. Gravel bars and slow-moving water areas are prime locations for gold particles to settle.

Don’t overlook the smaller tributaries feeding into Peters Creek – they can be treasure troves too.

Big Hill

Big Hill is part of the Cornwall Mines located in Cornwall Borough, Lebanon County. This area is historically significant for its extensive mining activities, particularly for iron ore.

This historic site sits on the northern rim of South Mountain. Once a bustling iron ore mining hub, Big Hill now attracts rockhounds seeking golden riches.

Rich deposits of magnetite ore, mined for over 200 years, hint at the diverse mineral wealth hiding beneath the surface. Alongside gold, you might stumble upon copper, cobalt, and silver.

To strike gold, focus your search around the old Cornwall Iron Mine and its surrounding areas. The remnants of past mining operations often yield the best results.

As you explore, keep an eye out for outcroppings of magnetite – these could lead you to your own golden discovery.

Big Hill’s fascinating blend of history and geology makes it a must-visit for both novice and experienced gold hunters in Pennsylvania.

French Creek

French Creek, meandering through northwestern Pennsylvania, offers a golden opportunity for rockhounds. This scenic stream in Mercer County is known for its gold deposits, making it a hotspot for prospectors.

The creek’s unique geology, shaped by ancient glacial activity, creates ideal conditions for gold accumulation. Sedimentary rocks and mineral-rich deposits line the creek bed, offering diverse hunting grounds.

Gold seekers often focus on gravel bars and creek bends where the water slows. These spots are perfect for panning and sluicing, as gold particles settle in these areas.

The creek’s watershed, a mix of forests and rural landscapes, provides a picturesque backdrop for your treasure hunt.

Places Gold has been found by county

After discussing our top picks, we wanted to discuss the other places on our list. Below is a list of the additional locations where we have succeeded, along with a breakdown of each place by county.

Now that you know where to look make sure you have the right equipment for the job. Take a look at our Beginner's Guide to Gold Hunting Equipment and make sure you're ready to start collecting! There are only a few simple pieces of equipment that you need.

If you need any more guidance on what to look for in these places check out Part 1 of the article for a lot of recommendations on the type of gold you can find and the general conditions you should look out for.