Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden in Pennsylvania’s rich soil? Join us as we unveil the best spots for metal detecting in the Keystone State!

As you all might know, I am from Pennsylvania. This is where I have called home and pursued my career in metal detecting.
When I started, my focus was on mastering the art of uncovering finds for a few years.
After gaining experience, I expanded my scope. Initially, I concentrated on detecting in nearby townships and areas where I had permission to enter.
Gradually, as my confidence grew, I began exploring throughout my state. Over the next few years, I spent time in every possible location in Pennsylvania, metal detecting and discovering what I could with my metal detector.
Along the way, I encountered significant finds in some remarkable locations.
This led me to think, why shouldn’t I share these discoveries and my knowledge of metal detecting online?
I hope to inspire someone apprehensive and unsure about where to start with metal detecting to passionately pursue this hobby.
So here are the best places to metal detect in Pennsylvania,
- Freeport Beach
- Kohler Beach
- Bald Eagle State Park Beach
- Livermore Ghost Town
- Curtain Village Ghost Town
- Cashtown Ghost Town
- Hillsboro Ghost Town
- Yellow Springs Ghost Town
- World’s End State Park
- Eagles Mere Beach
- Moraine State Park
- Presque Isle State Park
- City Island Beach
- Caledonia State Park
- Cowans Gap State Park
- Tuscarora State Park
- Lyman Run State Park
But there’s a lot more to know about those locations.
So, in this article, I’ll explore the best places to metal detect in Pennsylvania and how you can metal detect them.
If you are outside the state or don’t know about the laws about metal detecting, I will explain all the rules you need to consider before metal detecting in PA.
This will be useful for anyone wanting to start their metal detecting journey or someone eager to visit Pennsylvania for metal detecting.
I have attached the directions to each place for your convenience, considering Philadelphia International Airport as the starting point.
So, let’s jump in!

Best Places to Metal Detect in Pennsylvania
Now it’s time for you to search for the places for your next treasure-hunting adventure in Pennsylvania.
As I explained earlier, I have arranged these locations in order of the distances close to the Philadelphia International Airport so you can visit them easily.

Here are the best places in Pennsylvania for metal detecting in detail.
1. Freeport Beach
Freeport Beach is located in Free, Armstrong County. This is a public beach open for many activities.

The beach is alongside the Allegheny River, running through Pennsylvania, offering various recreational opportunities for the locals and visitors.
The beach is famously known for getting the best scenic views of the Allegheny River alongside people enjoying multiple waters and outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and boating.
If you are interested in metal detecting on this beach, start from the crows gathering areas like the towel line, and the shaded would be much more efficient for you.
How to Get to Freeport Beach
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Follow I-95 N and PA-28 N to Buffalo Street in Freeport.
Things You Can Find in Freeport Beach
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors

Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Pennsylvania!
2. Kohler Beach
Kohler Beach is located near Eerie in Erie County. This public beach also allows metal detecting and various other activities.

This beach is situated along Lake Eerie, offering pleasant sandy shores for people to enjoy the view. Besides, people can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and other beach sports on the coast.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. I came to know about Kohler Beach’s metal detecting capability from a local metal detecting club in Pennsylvania.
They organized a metal detecting event there including experts, which was super informative for all the beginners.
Searching in the crowd gathering places like the shaded areas, near benches, and in the towel line will give you more yield while metal detecting.
How to Get to Kohler Beach
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Take I-90 W and US-19 N to W 6th Street in Erie.
Things You Can Find in Kohler Beach
- Coins
- Old rings
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
3. Bald Eagle State Park Beach
Bald Eagle State Park Beach is in the Bald Eagle State Park near Howard, Centre County. The park was officially declared as a state park in 1971.

People often visit the park beach to enjoy the lovely scenic views of the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, where the beach is situated.
Besides enjoying the lovely pictures, people enjoy activities like fishing and boating.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the state park. Searching near the shallow water areas and the fishing spots would yield the best metal detecting finds you can search from the beach.
How to Get to Bald Eagle State Park Beach
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Get on I-80 W in Ridley. Follow I-80 W to PA-26 N in Bellefonte.
- Take Exit 161 from I-99 N. Continue on PA-26 N. Take Eagles Nest Road to Park Dr in Howard.
Things You Can Find in Bald Eagle State Park Beach
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
- Fishing equipment

4. Livermore Ghost Town
Livermore is a prehistoric coal mining town situated near Karthus in Clearfield County.
This is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest towns, now sadly inhabited.
The town offers insights into the rich mining past of the state while showing the rich industrial development took in that era, too.
However, due to the lack of development of facilities and infrastructure, people of this town migrated to other well-developed counties and cities in the mid-1900s.
Metal detecting is allowed in the town. You can find some fantastic stuff by looking around the town areas and in the abandoned mines.
How to Get to Livermore Ghost Town
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Follow I-80 W to PA-53 N in Clearfield. Take the PA-53 N exit from I-80 W.
- Continue on PA-53 N. Drive to Bells Landing Stump Creek Road in Ferguson.
Things You Can Find in Livermore Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
- Mining equipment and remaining

5. Curtain Village Ghost Town
Curtain Village ghost town is situated near NorthBend in Clinton OCunty. This is one of the abandoned logging towns in the state.
When you enter the area, you will see the rich history of this logging by cellar holes and various other remnants.
Apart from that, you can sneak peek into the logging industry’s authority at that time.
When people moved on from logs and firewood to more electrical sources, this area lost their livelihood, affecting the abandoned site.
Now, it is open for the public to view.
Metal detecting is allowed in this area. You can find the best items by searching abandoned industrial complexes, the logging area, and the town area.
How to Get to Curtain Village Ghost Town
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Take I-476 N, US-220 N and PA-64 W to Big Run Prescottville Road in Rose.
Things You Can Find in Curtain Village Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
- Logging equipment and remaining

6. Cashtown Ghost Town
Cashtown ghost town is situated in the old Cashtown area in Adams County. This was a rich cultural town back in the day.
You will see large buildings and other monuments of its rich history. This was one of the most prominent towns back in the day in Adams County and Pennsylvania.
Metal detecting is allowed in the area.
You will find some fantastic findings about the site’s rich history by looking at the industrial complexes and the town area of Cashtown.
How to Get to Cashtown Ghost Town
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Follow I-476 N, I-76 W and US-11 S to Pa-997 S in Guilford.
- Take the PA-997 S exit from US-30 W.
Things You Can Find in Cashtown Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
- Historical artefacts

7. Hillsboro Ghost Town
Hillsboro ghost town is situated near Cairnbrook in Somerset County. This was a large mining town in the past.
You will be able to see the remnants of the past industrial and mining complexes when you visit this ghost town in the present.
You can understand the state’s rich mining history by visiting these areas.
Due to a lack of development and facilities, the townspeople moved to well-developed areas and abandoned this town. There are various unique finds for metal detecting.
Looking in places like the town’s streets, the town center area, and the abandoned mines would yield fantastic finds for you.
How to Get to Hillsboro Ghost Town
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Take I-476 N, I-76 W and US-219 S to PA-160 S in Brothersvalley.
- Take the PA-160 S exit from US-219 S. Follow PA-160 S to Hillsboro Street in Elk Lick.
Things You Can Find in Hillsboro Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
- Mining Equipment parts

8. Yellow Springs Ghost Town
Yellow Springs ghost town is situated near the Chester Springs area in Chester County. This was a mining town back in the day, offering many services to the locals.
You will now see the remains of that prosperous historical era. There are well-preserved foundations and buildings of the old mining town.
With people moving on from these high-laboring mechanical methods to machinery, the villages were forced to close, and people were left to find other jobs.
Metal detecting is allowed in the town. Examining the township area and the old buildings can uncover some impressive findings.
How to Get to Yellow Springs Ghost Town
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Get on I-76 W in Upper Merion. Follow I-76 W to US-1 S/US-322 W in Upper Uwchlan.
- Take the US-322 W/US-30 W exit from US-1 S. Follow US-322 W and PA-162 W to Art School Road in West Caln.
Things You Can Find in Yellow Springs Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
9. World’s End State Park
World’s End State Park is situated in the Forkscille area in Sullivan County.

People often visit the state park to enjoy the area’s scenic beauty, including cascading waterfalls, gorges, and the beautiful Loyalsock Creek.
People also often enjoy multiple outdoor activities like hiking and camping. The park also allows water-based outdoor activities like swimming and fishing in the creek.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. You will find some promising findings from the camping and hiking areas.
According to my experience and the treasure I collected over the years, World’s End State Park is one of the best state parks in Pennsylvania to metal detect.
How to Get to World’s End State Park
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Follow I-476 N, I-80 W and PA-87 N to PA-487 N in Dushore.
Things You Can Find in World’s End State Park
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
- Fishing equipments
- Camping items and equipment

10. Eagles Mere Beach
Eagles Mere Beach is located in the Eagles Mere area in Sullivan County.
This is a private beach, so you have to get permission from the Eagles Mere Lake Community before metal detecting in this area.
This beach is situated along Eagles Mere Lake’s shores, offering visitors pleasant scenic viewing opportunities.
Locals and foreigners often visit this place to enjoy some downtime by hanging out on the beach, fishing in the lake, and taking the occasional boat ride on the lake.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area, and you have to respect and obey the rules put up by the community.
I found some fantastic finds in the fishing areas, so I suggest you look in that area to find something unique for yourself, too.
How to Get to Eagles Mere Beach
- Head west on I-95 N from Spenks Ferry Avenue.
- Follow I-476 N, I-80 W and US-220 N to PA-42 N in Muncy Creek.
- Take the PA-42 N exit from US-220 N. Follow PA-42 N to Eagles Mere Avenue in Shrewsbury.
Things You Can Find in Eagles Mere Beach
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
- Fishing Equipment
11. Moraine State Park
Moraine Stet Park is located near the Portsille area in Butler County. This was declared a state park in 1945, and people have visited the park since then.

In the park, you could witness the 3225-acre large Lake Arthur, the state park’s most famous point of attraction.
Most people visit the beauty and enjoy fishing, swimming, and other water-based outdoor activities relating to Lake Arthur.
Hiking and camping are also allowed in the park, along with metal detecting.
I found some valuable findings from the camping areas, hiking trails, and around the lake. So check these areas if you are visiting the Moraine State Park.
How to Get to Moraine State Park
- Take I-95 N to PA-488 W in Worth.
- Follow PA-488 W and PA-356 N to Pleasant Valley Road in Muddy Creek.
Things You Can Find in Moraine State Park
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
- Fishing equipment
- Camping items
12. Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is located in Eerie in Eerie County. This was declared a state park in 1921, making it one of the oldest state parks in the state.

People often visit this to enjoy the sandy beaches along Lake Eerie. Most people enjoy swimming and sunbathing in the area.
The park also allows kayaking and paddle boating in the lagoon areas nearby.
People also enjoy camping in the beach area and taking the hiking trails nearby. Metal detecting is also allowed in the area.
If you are visiting this state park, I suggest you look in the camping and shallow water areas to uncover some of the best findings.
How to Get to Presque Isle State Park
- Take I-95 N to Peninsula Drive in Erie.
Things You Can Find in Presque Isle State Park
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
13. City Island Beach
City Island Beach is located near Harrisburg in Dauphin County. This is a public beach in the area.
This beach offers lovely scenic views of the Susquehanna River. People often visit the beach to enjoy these views and other water-based activities like swimming, beach sports, and fishing.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the beach area. Looking at the towel line and the shallow water areas, you will be able to find some unique findings.

How to Get to City Island Beach
- Take I-95 N to Harrisburg Expressway in Swatara.
- Take the exit toward Harrisburg from I-83 N. Continue on S 13th Street.
Things You Can Find in City Island Beach
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
14. Caledonia State Park
Caledonia State Park is situated near Fayetteville in Franklin County. This was declared a state park in 1903, making it the oldest state park in Pennsylvania.

The area was previously an industrial township area. You can see the famous Thaddeus Steven Blacksmith shop inside the state park.
People often visit to see this monument and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park; you will find some fantastic findings by looking in hiking and camping areas.
How to Get to Caledonia State Park
- Take I-95 N to Wayne Avenue in Chambersburg.
- Follow Wayne Ave, Lincoln Way E and PA-233 S to Caledonia Park Rd in Fayetteville.
Things You Can Find in Caledonia State Park
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
15. Cowans Gap State Park
Cowans Gap State Park is located in the Fort Loudon area in Fulton County. This was declared as a state park In 1935.

People often visit the state park to enjoy swimming and boat riding in the 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake. Also, in the nearby Tuscarora mountain region, people can enjoy hiking too.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. If you plan to visit this state park, start metal detecting from the hiking trails.
How to Get to Cowans Gap State Park
- Take I-95 N to PA-75 N in Harrisonville.
- Follow PA-75 N and PA-641 W to Cowans Gap Road in Todd.
Things You Can Find in Cowans Gap State Park
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
16. Tuscarora State Park
Tuscarora State Park is located in the Barnesville area in Schuylkill County. This was declared as a state park in 1971.

You can see the beautiful nature around the Locust Lake in the park. While enjoying the views, the park allows swimming and boating in the lake.
People often visit the park to enjoy the hiking trails around the Tuscarora mountains in Schuylkill County.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. And if you are keen on metal detecting in this park, start from the hiking trails and then move to other parts.
How to Get to Tuscarora State Park
- Take I-95 N to PA-901 W in Saint Clair.
- Follow PA-901 W and US-209 N to Tuscarora State Park Road in Rush.
Things You Can Find in Tuscarora State Park
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
17. Lyman Run State Park
Lyman Run State Park is situated in the Galeton area in Potter County. This was declared as a state park in 1947.

This state park consists of the large Lyman Run, which most locals and foreigners visit.
You can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and many other outdoor activities within the park territories.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. By looking around the hiking trails, you can uncover some fantastic findings.
How to Get to Lyman Run State Park
- Take I-95 N to US-6 W in Gaines.
- Follow US-6 W and PA-44 N to Lyman Run Road in Keating.
Things You Can Find in Lyman Run State Park
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Lost personal items from previous visitors
Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Pennsylvania
That’s it, folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Pennsylvania with the historical importance of each place with the treasures that are likely to be found.
Now let me share with you some tips that I learned while I was metal detecting in my home state for so long, which are important for you to find cool treasures without any issues.
Just keep reading!
Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Pennsylvania
- Check weather forecasts to plan your visit accordingly.
- Bring appropriate gear, including a reliable metal detector, headphones, and digging tools.
- Respect local guidelines and posted signs in metal detecting areas.
- Plan your visit during less busy times for uninterrupted detecting.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the elements.

Metal Detecting Laws in Pennsylvania
If you were wondering if metal detecting is allowed in Pennsylvania, it is. The state does allow metal detecting.
Before metal detecting, you need to have permission from the landowners. If the land you want to see is government-owned, you must get government permission.
If you will detect privately owned land, you have to get permission from the private landowners.
The Department of Archeology or Bureau of Land Management will give the federal government land permissions.
After getting the permit, the authorized personnel will explain how much you can exploit while metal detecting in Pennsylvania.
You will be fined if you fail to meet the required standard. So make sure that you always pay attention to these rules and regulations the local government puts up.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect on Pennsylvania Beaches?
Yes, you are allowed to metal detect on beaches of Pennsylvania. Few specific rules act on beaches. Here is a breakdown of them.
You can metal detect within a reasonable distance from the waterline on every shore. The authority to allow metal detecting will be under each shore’s control.
So, make sure you pay attention to these details while metal detecting on beaches in Pennsylvania.
All the beaches listed below allow metal detecting within their shores.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect in Pennsylvania State Parks?
Yes, it is legal to metal detect in state parks in Pennsylvania. There are specific rules that each state park will have governing them.
From the Tuesday following Labor Day until the Saturday before Memorial Day, using metal detectors is allowed on beaches and lake swimming areas, but only up to a certain distance from the shore, unless there are specific rules against it.
During summer, the use of metal detectors in these areas is subject to the park manager’s decision, who will consider the facility’s use and type.
For underwater areas other than beaches and swimming zones, metal detecting is allowed close to the shore as long as it does not interfere with other activities or risk damaging the facility.
Some state parks may contain valuable historical artifacts. In such parks, certain areas, or even the entire park, may be off-limits to metal detecting to protect these potential finds.
Some state parks will have clear signs if they are not allowing metal detection within their territories.
So make sure to check for any signs of prohibiting metal detecting before entering a state park.
If no signs are posted, you can detect metal in that state park, but to make sure, you can ask a state park official at the entrance if metal detecting is allowed there.
In this way, you can confirm whether metal detecting is permitted.
Here are some metal-detecting rules attached to Pennsylvania state parks which are mentioned on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website.
Charges:
There are no fees for using metal detectors in Pennsylvania state parks.
Metal Detecting Timing:
This activity is allowed from sunrise until sunset.
Tools for Digging:
Use of shovels, spades, garden trowels, and similar tools is prohibited for digging or turning over areas with turf, vegetation, shrubs, or trees.
Only screwdrivers, ice picks, and other narrow-pronged instruments are permitted.
Discovery of Historical Items:
Upon discovering historical objects, contact the park manager of the respective park.
For handling historical artifacts, consult with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Found items must be reported and are subject to removal from the park.
Approval and Reporting:
To use a metal detector, obtain prior approval from the park’s on-site manager. Report any discovered items, which will be removed from the park.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect in Pennsylvania Ghost Towns?
Yes, metal detecting is allowed in the ghost towns of Pennsylvania, but you should obtain permission from the owner if the ghost town is private property.
Some ghost towns are preserved to protect their history and culture. These ghost towns sometimes might not allow the use of a metal detector.
So, checking if the ghost town allows metal detecting in its territories is advisable before entering.

In 2018, the FBI’s involvement in the search for a legendary cache of Civil War-era gold, rumored to be hidden in Pennsylvania, highlighted the state’s rich potential for significant treasure discoveries.
apnews.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Are there any legal restrictions for metal detecting in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you must obtain permission for metal detecting in state parks and report any historical finds; private property requires landowner consent.
What kind of items can I expect to find in Pennsylvania?
Common finds include coins, jewelry, relics, and occasionally historical artifacts, especially in areas with rich historical backgrounds like Gettysburg.
What’s the best time of year for metal detecting in Pennsylvania?
The best time is typically after Labor Day until just before Memorial Day, particularly for beach detecting.
What is the best metal detector for Pennsylvania soil?
Multi-purpose detectors like the Garrett AT Max or Fisher F22 are recommended due to Pennsylvania’s varied soil conditions.
Is gold prospecting possible in Pennsylvania?
Yes, especially in areas like York and Lancaster Counties, but remember to report any historical items you may find.
Check out Dumpster Diving in Pennsylvania (Is It Legal!)
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in Pennsylvania
In this article, I deeply discussed the best places to metal detect in Pennsylvania in detail and how to get to those locations from the nearest airport.
The best places to metal detect in Pennsylvania include Freeport Beach, Kohler Beach, Bald Eagle State Park Beach, several ghost towns like Livermore and Cashtown, World’s End State Park, Eagles Mere Beach, Moraine State Park, Presque Isle State Park, City Island Beach, and various state parks such as Caledonia, Cowans Gap, Tuscarora, and Lyman Run.
Plus, I mentioned the rules and regulations you need to follow when metal detecting in PA.
I believe that a guide written by a Pennsylvanian detectorist like myself is the best source for learning about the top places to metal detect in Pennsylvania.
So, happy treasure hunting in scenic Pennsylvania like a champ!