Greetings fellow firearms enthusiasts!  I know the rough history of gold in NC, and have a basic idea of where to go.  But where is best?  I've watched a lot of Gold Rush, so I'd like to try a small highbanker or trommel- maybe even a dredge if there's a good place to let me try.  I understand I'll still have to pan, but I don't have any of my own stuff.  I'd like to spend 2 days working, maybe a 3rd day to work my moss.  Coming down from Galax, so... something 3 hours or so away?  Between Winston-Salem and Charlotte?   Close ABNB/Vrbo or whatever, would also be sweet.  What's good?

Reed Gold Mine

Have you visited the Reed Gold Mine State Park yet?  Good information there and you can practice panning.  I found two flakes last time I was there.

I believe panning is ok in streams in the Uharrie but metal detectors are illegal.

That's definitely the historical epicenter. Went there a bunch as a kid.