Metal detecting is a great hobby, one I wish I had more time for. Two of the most common natural treasures that can be found are meteorites (iron type), which are most often found in strewn fields, you can read about those here http://www.treasurehuntingplaces.com/meteorites/treasure-hunting-for-meteorites/ the strewn fields that I know of are mostly in the Western states. The other type of natural treasure you can find is gold. There are areas where gold nuggets are actually just inches below the ground, the areas I know of though are once again in the Western states and in Australia. But, there are areas close to all 50 states that do have gold, so you may want to contact a local prospecting group in your area to see if they can give you some ideas if your interested in that.

For you one of the best possibilities will probably be abandoned towns. Given that people have lived in that region of the country since the beginning there will probably many places that used to be inhabited and are now abandoned. When you first look at these places you may not even see any signs that there was ever a town there. There are a multitude of books written about old ghost towns (they don’t just exist in the West) that you may want to check out. Or a better place to get info for your local area may be your local historical society…

In these areas you’ll want to try and locate the old dumps, it sounds crazy but you can often find all kinds of amazing and sometimes valuable objects that at the time the people simply considered junk and through out. Whenever you go metal detecting just be aware that you may be on private property and will want to get the owners permission to be on their land. It’s amazing how many people are actually fine with you metal detecting on their land if you just ask. A lot of times their as curious about what might be under their property as you are.

Good luck in your new hobby. Hope this helps.

Are any of these places in California close enough for you? I don’t really know the geography of California so I’m not sure if any of these are close to you.

Let me know and I can let you know what’s available.

Between Hollister and Coalinga
Palo Verde
Blythe
Jamestown
Auburn
Pine Grove
Sonora
Nevada City
Coloma
Big Sur
Warner Springs
Pala
Santa Ysabel

You need to contact the folks at the Ace Of Diamond Mine to set up a trip. Please get a hold of them at:

For additional information about the mine or to make reservations contact:

Ted, Anna Jane, or Anita Smith at 315-891-3855.

84 Herkimer St.
Middleville, NY 13406