Tennessee

Rockhounding Regulations

General Rules

  • • Limited collecting allowed on some USFS lands
  • • Small reasonable amounts for personal use (about 10 pounds)
  • • Hand tools only on federal lands
  • • Most collecting on private property
  • • Materials must be for personal use

Permits & Licenses

  • • State Parks may grant permits for scientific/educational purposes
  • • USFS lands generally don't require permits for personal use
  • • Private sites charge admission fees
  • • Commercial collecting requires special permits

Restrictions

  • • State Parks prohibit collecting without permit
  • • Great Smoky Mountains National Park prohibits all collecting
  • • Federal laws prohibit collecting plants, animals, and artifacts
  • • Many productive areas are private property

Contacts

  • • Tennessee State Parks: (888) 867-2757
  • • Tennessee Geological Survey: (615) 532-1500
  • • Cherokee National Forest: (423) 476-9700