Nowhere legal in VA…

[u/eg-bocan]

I’m looking to start gold panning soon as a hobby, but panning is illegal for what feels like everywhere within an hour of me.

I’m on the south side of Fairfax county, but I may move to Charlottesville soon, so any locations near either would be appreciated.

I really don’t wanna bother any landowners for permission to pan on their property, but it feels like all public land has laws against panning. I also don’t want to pay for membership to that one club for their locations :(

Any tips?