Ever dreamt of uncovering hidden treasures in Pennsylvania’s lush state parks? Dive in to find the best spots to metal detect!
Pennsylvania is a great state and a gem for any metal detector. I’m lucky enough to live here and I got many chances to find so many valuable items because of this.
The history of this state is diverse and rich. There are over 100 different state parks here and all of them have a lot to offer with their historically rich backgrounds.
I have been to so many parks here and there are some of the best parks on my favorite list.
Here are the best state parks in Pennsylvania to metal detect,
- Worlds End State Park
- Caledonia state park
- Moraine state park
- Lyman run state park
- Tuscarora state park
- Cowans Gap State Park
- Presque Isle State Park
- Neshaminy state park
- Promised land park
- Yellow Creek State Park
- Sinnemahoning State Park
But there’s a lot more to about above state parks!
In this article, I’ll explore each of the aboev best state parks in Pennsylvania to metal detect in detail.
I will tell you how valuable each of them is and the other important things that you should know before you detect any state park here in Pennsylvania.
Let’s see what I got!
Can You Metal Detect In Pennsylvania State Parks?
Yes, the state welcomes metal detectors and there’s reasonable law in the use of metal detectors in state parks.
You are able to detect state parks as long as you follow a few simple laws.
Just like any other state, metal detecting in Pennsylvania is also governed by the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA).
This act is mainly focused on protecting historically and culturally valuable artifacts.
It says that no item that has a man-made origin and is over 100 years old, should be removed from its original place.
If anything like this is found, it should be directly reported to the authorities.
The state parks do not require a permit to metal detect. But you are not allowed to detect the historical sites of these parks and you should not trespass.
Always check with individual park rules as some of them might not allow metal detecting.
Before detecting any state park, the management or the relevant authorities of the park should be informed.
And you are not allowed to stay in the park from sunset to the sunrise.
Shovels and other big equipment are not allowed to be used when digging the ground. Only small scoops and picks can be used for this purpose.
These are the basic rules that you should follow.
But remember to talk to the managers or the authorities of the park before you take in the metal detector and start your detection.
Best State Parks In Pennsylvania To Metal Detect
Of all this time detecting in the state that I live in, I found some best state parks that worked in my favor in metal detecting.
I’d like to let you know about them too!
1. Worlds End State Park
This is located in a narrow S-shaped valley of the Loyalsock Creek in Sullivan County. It is a 780-acre park surrounded by the forest.
It is a park filled with so much beautiful scenery and there are a lot of places that are great for metal detecting.
There is a small sandy shore location that is very popular among the detectors.
People go camping, kayaking, and hiking in this area.
So it’s a busy place and you will definitely find something special. Detectors have records of finding coins.
The management or the authorities of the park must be informed about the metal detecting and written permission must be obtained.
The place allows metal detectorists everywhere.
2. Caledonia State Park
Caledonia State Park is an 1125-acre park located between Adams and Franklin counties. This is a park that is rich with so many features.
There are some good places within the park that are open for metal detecting.
To detect metal, you have to inform the office that is located within the park. There is no permit required.
3. Moraine State Park
Moraine State Park has fascinating views of hills, lush forests, and waters.
It is a massive 16,725-acre park with a 3,225-acre lake Arthur. The lake has 42 miles of shoreline.
Hikers, picnickers, swimmers, and many other people visit this park every year.
The reason for having this many visitors is because there are a lot of activities like fishing, hiking, hunting, wildlife exploring, etc.
There are cottages available. But no one is allowed to go camping. This means that you can stay within the park while metal detecting. The park is free to detect and no permission is required.
4. Lyman Run State Park
This beautiful park is located near Galeton, Pennsylvania. It is a 595 acre park. The forest area is dominated by cherry and maple trees.
The Lyman Run lake covers around 45 acre of the park.
Lyman Run State Park offers facilities for hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming. This is a beautiful place with so many things to do.
The office of the park will be open only for a few hours. So make sure that you check with them to learn the places that are allowed for metal detecting.
If you confirm with the staff, it will be easier and risk-free to metal detect this beautiful area.
5. Tuscarora State Park
Tuscarora State Park is located in eastern Pennsylvania near the Locust Lake State Park.
The 1618 acre of the park is scenic and the best location for picnics and family gatherings.
The southern side of the Tuscarora lake is located within the park and it gives opportunities to swim and catch some fish.
Drop a call to the park office and tell them that you need to do some metal detecting inside the park.
They will guide you on the locations that are allowed for metal detecting and which places you should avoid.
I have found a few modern and old coins from the area that are popular among people for picnics.
I suggest you take a stroll around this park and you will probably find something.
6. Cowans Gap State Park
Cowans Gap State Park is located on the southern side of Pennsylvania, Allens Valley of Fulton County.
The park is 1085 acres and has a large lake of 42 acres.
There are also some rustic cabins and hiking trails that are scattered throughout this park.
The entire park is surrounded by the Buchanan forest which provides additional options for metal detecting.
Since people do a lot of camping at this site, it is popular among the detectors. But make sure that you inform the staff before exploring the park.
7. Presque Isle State Park
This is a 3,200-acre park that is located in the northern corner of Pennsylvania arched into Lake Erie. The park offers access to its visitors to a beautiful coastline.
The park offers many activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and even cycling.
The park also creates the Presque Isle Bay, which is a wide and deep harbor of Erie. It attracts so many ships and boats which makes it an important shipping port.
Choose a day that has pleasant weather if you are planning to go there for metal detecting.
Make sure you inquire from the park office as they might not allow you to detect during a busy day with many people in the park.
8. Neshaminy State Park
This is located along the Delaware River in lower Bucks County.
The park earned its name from the Neshaminy creek that joins the Delaware River at this place.
It is a 339-acre park that includes a large picnic area, a swimming pool, and a children’s playground.
Some of the parts of the park have been closed recently to the public. These areas are somewhat open to people who are interested in metal detecting.
So you can pay a visit or drop a call to check if you are allowed to detect the park. The staff is helpful and probably will give you permission.
9. Promised land park
This park is located in Pike County, 10 miles north of Canadensis. It is about 3,000 acres in size and surrounded by the Delaware State Forest.
Visitors can be involved in many activities including fishing, camping, spending time in the rustic cabins, hiking, and exploring the forest.
There are also two lakes and a few small streams surrounding the park.
The park is popular for camping and hiking. So you can detect these specific places to find something positive. Ask the staff if these places are open for metal detecting and get their permission.
10. Yellow Creek State Park
This 2981-acre state park is located in Indiana County along the Kittanning path. This was a popular path among the early settlers.
The 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake is a popular destination among people as they are interested in boating and fishing around this place.
Some detectorists have claimed to have found old jewelry and coins from this area.
The park is open for metal detecting but you have to inform the management team about your exploration.
11. Sinnemahoning State Park
Sinnemahoning State Park is located near the center of Pennsylvania Wilds’ scenic steep. It is a land area of 1910 acres with a beautiful wildlife habitat.
The park is surrounded by the Elk State Forest and Susquehannock State Forest.
This park is a narrow land that is covered by the First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek on both sides.
Because of the beautiful landscape and opportunities to fish, this park is popular among locals and visitors.
This park is open for metal detecting and the most common thing that you can find is coins.
From old coins to the newest ones, you will be able to find them as people tend to drop them in this area.
Talk to the management team or the staff and let them know that you are metal detecting this place. They will let you know what are the best spots to do your work.
There are so many other state parks in Pennsylvania that you can explore and detect.
This link down below will be helpful for you to find the nearest park to you: Find a State Park
Make sure you drop a call or you talk to the staff before you perform any detecting at these places.
Now I’m going to share with you some tips that I recommend when metal detecting in Pennsylvania to get promising results.
I’ve learned the below tips by traveling to state parks so many in my home state Pennsylvania.
They’ll definitely take your metal-detecting knowledge to the next level.
Tips for Successful Metal Detecting in Pennsylvania State Parks
Here are some of the best tips for you to follow when detecting a state park in Pennsylvania.
Check For the Regulations Of the Park
Before you head out to a state park in Pennsylvania to metal detect, check for all the regulations of the park regarding metal detecting.
Some parks might require a permit or permission letter to enter. And some parks only allow a few places to metal detect.
So make sure you call them or check their websites to learn the laws and regulations.
Go Early
Consider going early to the park before anyone.
It will give you the freedom to find good spots and talk to the staff freely and understand how things work there.
Select Right Equipment
Make sure you have or bring the right equipment and tools to explore.
It’s better if you can find more details on what kind of metals and objects you could find there.
I recommend bringing waterproof equipment as most of the parks have beaches and creeks. Also, bring a small scoop as shovels are not allowed in any state park.
Research the History Of the Place
Before exploring, go through the history of the park and get to know the place better.
This will give you an idea of what are the hotspots and which areas you should search.
And also the records might let you know what kind of objects can be yielded from the place.
Respect the Environment
Be respectful of the environment as well as the visitors who are at the place while you are metal detecting.
And also fill in the holes and restore them. This will help the ecosystem to recover the damage.
And do not leave the litter when you are done. Clean the place and bring any of the trash with you as you come out.
And do not dig large holes. Use a pinpointer to determine the exact location and dig the smallest holes possible.
Join a Metal Detecting Club
This will be helpful for you in so many ways.
Join a local metal detecting club in Pennsylvania to get tips and advice on detecting the state parks.
Some clubs might also organize events on metal detecting the state parks.
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best metal detecting clubs in Pennsylvania in detail with the treasures you can possibly find in them.
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Pennsylvania!
Pennsylvania is home to the first state park system in the USA, with over 300,000 acres of natural beauty to explore.
www.americasstateparks.org
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Can I metal detect in any state park in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can metal detect in many state parks in Pennsylvania; however, it’s essential to check with individual park management for specific rules and areas where metal detecting is allowed.
Is a permit required for metal detecting in these parks?
Most state parks in Pennsylvania do not require a permit for metal detecting, but you should always inform the park management of your activities and obtain any necessary permissions.
Are there any restrictions on the type of equipment I can use for metal detecting in these parks?
Yes, the use of shovels and other large equipment for digging is prohibited; you are only allowed to use small scoops and picks for digging while metal detecting.
What should I do if I find an artifact or item that seems historically significant?
If you find an item that seems to be of historical significance, especially if it appears to be over 100 years old, you should report it to the authorities as per the guidelines of the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA).
Can I metal detect at the beach areas of these state parks?
Yes, many of the mentioned state parks have beach areas and shorelines where you can metal detect, but it’s recommended to use waterproof equipment and check with park management for specific regulations.
What are some popular finds when metal detecting in these parks?
Common finds in these parks include modern and old coins, with some detectorists reporting finding old jewelry in certain areas, particularly in parks with high visitor activity like picnicking and camping.
Are there any tips for a successful metal detecting experience in Pennsylvania state parks?
Yes, to have a successful metal detecting experience, it is recommended to research the history of the park, go early, use the right equipment, respect the environment, and consider joining a local metal detecting club for tips and advice.
What times are generally allowed for metal detecting in these parks?
While the article doesn’t specify exact times, it mentions that you are not allowed to stay in the parks from sunset to sunrise, indicating that metal detecting is typically allowed during daylight hours.
How can I find more information on the best state parks for metal detecting in Pennsylvania?
For more information and to find the nearest park to you for metal detecting, you can refer to online resources, including the “Find a State Park” tool mentioned in the article, and consult with park management or staff for specific details and guidelines.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about Best State Parks in Pennsylvania to Metal Detect?
In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best state parks in Pennsylvania to metal detect with tips and tricks from experts.
I’ve personally been to most of the state parks in Pennsylvania since it’s my home state and able to find lots of cool treasures.
The best state parks in Pennsylvania for metal detecting are Presque Isle State Park, Nockamixon State Park, and Point State Park. Always adhere to the park rules and regulations and ensure to report any significant finds to the park authorities.
Hope you’ve learned everything you wanted to know about the best state parks in Pennsylvania to metal detect which are really useful for a newbie or experienced detectorist who is seeking a new adventure.
Now it’s time to take your metal detector and go treasure hunting in beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania like a hero with all the knowledge you collected!
