Are you looking for a place to start your metal detecting adventure in Maine? You’ve arrived at the correct location.
Metal detecting is a pastime in which you go on an expedition with a metal detector to look for anything from jewelry and coins to historical artifacts. This activity has been around for quite some time. It sprung onto the scene when individuals found that metal detecting might make them a lot of money. Metal detectorists are always on the lookout for and uncover rare metals such as gold and silver, which they subsequently sell for a profit. A high-end metal detector costs approximately $1000, and if you know where to search, you may be able to return your investment in as little as three metal detecting visits.
Metal detecting is as good as it gets in Maine, which is one of the few states where it is legal. The weather is wonderful for metal detecting, and the scenery is perfect for gold and silver prospecting. Maine has it all if you want to go metal detecting on beaches, rivers, streams, creeks, ghost towns, or state parks. You should, however, do your homework and become acquainted with the Pine Tree State’s municipal and federal metal detecting regulations.
Metal detecting laws in Maine
Despite the fact that metal detecting is considered a recreational pastime, we cannot rule out the potential of discovering something of historical significance to the government. As a result, metal detecting legislation and regulations differ from state to state.
In Maine, metal detecting standards and limits have been established. The Archeological Resources Preservation Act also governs metal detecting on government property.
Keep in mind that private property is exempt from state and federal legislation. They only apply to metal detecting on the public or private territory. You just need written authorization from the proprietor or tenant to metal detect on private property.
Metal detecting guidelines in Maine are straightforward. Make assured that you are not metal detecting in any historic places in Maine. As a result, using metal detectors or digging for items on any historical monument in Maine is prohibited. As a result, while excavating native mounds, burial sites, or earthworks, use extreme caution.
According to Maine law, metal detectors are likewise prohibited on Trust’s land without authorization. Furthermore, because the State of Maine owns all historic and prehistoric sites in the Forest Preserves, they may not be demolished without authorization. Metal detecting is illegal in many places unless you have a proper permit.
If you’re metal detecting in Maine on a state or federal land, don’t dig up anything that looks like an artifact or is more than 100 years old. If you find and gather a historical relic, notify authorities so that it can be appropriately cared for. Metal detecting is likewise prohibited in Maine National Parks unless permission is acquired in advance. Furthermore, metal detecting is authorized as a recreational pastime in Maine’s public parks. Metal detecting may be allowed in historically significant places, however, this is uncommon.
Overall, it is vital to understand and follow the rules while metal detecting in Maine. Infringing on these prohibitions will result in severe penalties such as fines or, in the worst-case scenario, prison time. If you want to open a new metal detecting site in Maine, make sure you meet all of the standards by contacting local, county, and state officials.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Maine: A Comprehensive Guide
Is it legal to metal detect in Maine?
In Maine, metal detecting is fully lawful. Legality, on the other hand, has limitations. As previously indicated, metal detecting without a permit is prohibited in Maine’s historic sites, state parks, and federal areas. As a result, metal detecting on public lands in Maine may require authorization. Permits are available over the phone or online. To receive one, please contact your local park and recreation office. It is reasonably priced, with a single unit costing around $10.
If you apply common sense and look for jewelry, coins, and gold nuggets in public areas across Maine, you’ll be OK. Before metal detecting in a historically significant area, check with the local county office.
Can you metal detect on BLM lands in Maine?
Metal detecting on BLM land is subject to the same restrictions as it is on all other public lands in Maine. Metal detecting is permitted on BLM land in Maine, but you must use extreme caution not to destroy or expose any artifacts. Remember that, according to ARPA, the government has the ability to seize any “archaeological treasures” discovered on BLM territory. Archaeological resources are tangible artifacts from human life or activities that are at least 100 years old and have archaeological significance.
Where can you metal detect in Maine?
Despite the fact that many conventional metal-detecting places in Maine have been forbidden, there are a few excellent metal-detecting locations.
One of the first areas you should go metal detecting in Maine is your hometown. Knowing the history of a location not only saves time but also aids in the discovery of uncommon things. What you find and how valuable it is will be determined by where you metal detect and the history of the region. Metal detecting based on historical studies will produce better results than detecting in random locations.
Some of the best places you can go for metal detecting in Maine are:
- Abandoned Buildings and Structures
- Abandoned Parks and Mines
- Old wagon train routes and Ghost Towns
- Native American Trails
- Natural Disaster Destruction Sites
- Maine Beaches, Rivers, Lakes, and Creeks
- School yards and Old Churches
- Civil war sites
Is there any buried treasure in Maine?
Maine is a lovely state with an interesting history. Maine is said to have many Civil War-era hidden riches. Confederate gold and silver coins are said to be buried beneath the soil of Maine to avoid capture by the Union Army. Some lurk in the shadows, waiting to be discovered! Despite the fact that many of these claims have yet to be validated, treasure hunters and metal detectorists are hopeful that they will be found soon.
| Treasures | Details |
| St. John‘s Island Buried Treasure | The treasure on St. John’s Island might be worth more than $50,000 in gold and silver coins. A Portuguese sailor who resided nearby buried the riches. The coins are said to be buried amid the ruins of an eighteenth-century tavern on the island’s northern tip. |
| Penobscot River, Bucksport Pirate Treasure | Bucksport was frequently utilized to conceal pirate booty. Some of the treasures are said to be at the mouth of the Penobscot River. |
| Captain Kidd Wiscasset Treasure | Captain Kidd was said to have buried at least 45 riches in Maine. Many of these relics are said to be in or around Wiscasset. |
| Kennebec River Buried Treasure | A vast hoard of gold bullion and coins buried by a pirate in the early 1700s may be buried near Skowhegan Falls on the Kennebec River. The treasure is said to be at the crossroads of Routes 201 and 201A. |
Metal detecting on Maine Beaches
The Atlantic Ocean coastline in Maine is approximately 228 miles long. Because Maine beaches are so busy, they’re great for looking for misplaced jewelry and cash. As a result, you’ll see a lot more metal detectorists seeking for treasure late at night on Maine beaches.
Metal detecting is lawful on Maine beaches as of the publishing of this article. In contrast, if you find anything older than 100 years, the state of Maine has the right to seize it.
Some of the most famous beaches to go for metal detecting in Maine are:
- Ogunquit Beach, Ogunquit
- Sand Beach, Bar Harbor
- Short Sands Beach, York
- Popham Beach, Phippsburg
- Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport
Metal detecting in Maine Rivers and Creeks
Maine not only boasts a beautiful shoreline, but it also has several rivers and streams. Because there are so many rivers, creeks, and streams, it’s an ideal location for metal detecting. When detecting in rivers and streams, make sure you have enough waterproof metal detectors. Among the top metal detecting rivers and streams in Maine are:
- Abagadasset River, Sagadahoc
- Allagash River, Aroostook
- Androscoggin River, Oxford
- Carrabassett River, Somerset
- Dennys River, Washington
Metal detecting in Ghost Towns of Maine
Hundreds of abandoned villages and ghost towns dot the landscape of Maine. These are the towns where mining formerly occurred, but people departed as the ore ran out. People moved to other cities and towns for a variety of reasons.
The ghost towns of Maine are all former villages and towns. These Maine communities have a long and distinguished history. Metal detecting in Maine’s abandoned towns may also need local government permission. After verifying if a permit is required and acquiring one, Maine’s ghost towns will rapidly become one of your favorite metal detecting locations.
Historical items may be found in these ghost towns. In these Maine ghost villages, coins, beautiful jewelry, and other treasures abound.
Some of the popular ghost towns in ME for metal detecting are:
- Davidson, Penobscot
- Dead River, Somerset
- Flagstaff, Somerset
- Oriental Powder Mills, Cumberland
- Riceville, Penobscot
Metal detecting clubs in Maine
Metal detecting is one of my favorite Maine activities since it allows me to reconnect with old friends while also making new ones. If you want to meet new people and go on metal detecting excursions, I highly recommend joining a metal detecting organization in Maine.
Metal detecting has grown in popularity in recent years, with clubs springing up all across the country. The club’s members are involved and supportive of one another. These groups get together once a month to show off their treasures, plan their next trip, and talk about how to evaluate the diversity and worth of their finds.
Metal detecting clubs might be a terrific way to learn about new treasure-hunting locations. If you’re a beginner, setting up your metal detector for a specific spot may be tricky. As a result, joining a metal detecting group is an excellent approach to cope with this problem.
In Maine, there are numerous fantastic metal detecting groups. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hunter, metal detecting clubs in Maine can help you improve your abilities.
Metal detecting groups in Maine are not required to maintain a website. As a result, you may wish to join Facebook groups to network with other metal detectorists in Maine and share your knowledge.
Some of the best Metal detecting clubs in ME are:
- Metal Detecting Maine, Livermore Falls
- Bangor Coin Shooters, Bango
Similarly, some of the most popular Metal Detecting Facebook groups in ME are:
Final Thoughts
Overall, Maine is a great spot to go metal detecting. Nature, history, weather, and the liberal legislation of Maine all add to the enjoyment of this activity. Before you go metal detecting in public, be sure you understand the rules and regulations. If you wish to visit private land, make sure you acquire permission from the owner beforehand; otherwise, you might be charged with trespassing.
