Is a permit needed for the lower end of coker creek?  Like below the falls.  And can dredging be done on this part?  What about other creeks that flow in this area and dump into the Hiwasse River?  Is there another ranger office that handles this part of the forest?

Thanks'

Garrett

Hi,
You are allowed to pan and sluice in the lower section of the forest,,, POLK Co. 
You do not need a permit.

Dredging is a $250 fine and loss of equipment. 

No motorized equipment is allowed down there.  Only manual things... shovel, sluice., pan, sucker tubes.

There is good gold down there, and I am working on trying to get dredging allowed.  Don't go in and blow it for us.  :-)

Tim L .........................
Tn. State Director
tim@tngold.com  - http://www.tngold.com
423-310-4445
Our store is closed

I wouldnt do that.  I dont even own a dredge.  I was just wondering.  I have never heard anything about any of the creeks on that end

If you go to the Ranger Station on Highway 64 near the Ocoee Marina, there will be a rack with different fliers in it. One of the fliers is on Recreational Prospecting in the Ocoee region of the Cherokee National Forest. I believe Coker Creek Falls is in this district. The flier will be quite helpful.

Hi I am ah64a. And just started here. I live in ky. But would like to try panning .

Were is coker creek. How far east is it. I live in west ky. I can google the area if I know about were it is.

ah64a, the town of Coker Creek is in Monroe County in the southeast corner of TN.  The creek itself runs through town and then southward into Polk County to the Hiwassee river

Yes I just found it on google. And came back here to post that I did find it. Taanks for the help Anthony.

Hi Tim,
Let me get this straight... Sucker tubes ARE allowed below Coker Falls? I just want to make sure.

Hello ah64a. Come on and join us at the creek. You will usually find someone at Doc Rogers on weekends that is willing to help get you started.

Al .........................
Coker Creek GPAA Chapter Vice President
atrotter@mindspring.com
(865) 748-9818

truenorth, YES Sucker Tubes are ok in Polk County. No permit needed. Many use them at the Falls area of Coker Creek, and they do quite well. The Falls are in Polk County. If you find some good gold there, please post some photos on our Forum.
I am going to try and get to the Falls in a few weeks.
Chuck Pharis .........................
Chuck Pharis
East Tennessee Coker Creek GPAA Chapter President (June 19, 2010)
Gpaa Lifetime member, LDMA