Where we are
The East Coast,
top to bottom.
Access rules are set state by state and they differ sharply, so each state gets its own answer with the authority behind it named. Federal land is closed everywhere. Private land, with the owner’s written permission, is open everywhere.
What is true in every state?
On federal land, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 makes it an offence to disturb or remove archaeological resources over 100 years old without a permit. The National Park Service prohibits metal detecting outright in national parks.
New England
Mid-Atlantic
The South
Rules checked August 2026. They change, and a page is not a permit. Always confirm with the authority named on the state page before you detect on any land that is not private ground you have permission for.