new rockhound here in wake co. and live near the Neuse River by Falls Lake dam...just wondering if its legal to poke around there...if so has anyone tried that area or found anything...if not is there any place in the area close for me to get started no matter what i may find...thanks for any info.

thanks scott, im thinkin bout braving the cold this weekend with my 2 boys on the banks to see what the rains and the dam may have loosened up. really looking forward to learning more about all the different types of rocks and gettin to spend some time bonding with my kids. just seeing them have a good time will be more satisfying than finding anything. but thanks for your help scott...talk to ya soon

Guys,
I think that collecting in the state park is not allowed.  Don't know what happens if you are caught.

Good to hear about collecting along the river.  I don't know how much of the river bank fall under the state park system.

Hey guys, sorry to get in here late.
As far as collecting on Falls Lake, Jordan or Kerr, being reservoirs. state parks, game lands, etc.,
federal and state laws apply and, basically, it's illegal to remove anything from the park
or lake shores without a permit.
And I don't know if you'll be able to get one for rocks.
Of course, we don't want to be extreme here, and the occasional interesting rock here and there is no big deal,
but you definitely don't want to plan on doing any digging.

That being said, during dry conditions when the water level of the lake drops
the shoreline is the best classroom you could ever ask for.
Many great interesting places to investigate. Bartons Creek is known for great examples of chlorite and actinolite in talc.
And at the end of Tharrington Rd. off Old 98 there's a canyon on your right
draining into the lake infront of you that's full of big rocks
studded with garnets.
The garnets are not gem grade but it's a beautiful spot to visit.
The neighbors at the end of Tharrington Rd keep putting up No Trespassing/No Parking signs.
I don't know if they have the right to? If you are talking with a ranger
you may want to ask about that.

Never heard of anyone having a problem with collecting along the river thru there.
Now that they have finished the Greenway from the dam to damn near Clayton!
it's pretty easy to access.
If it's not underwater, the gravel bar at the mouth of Richland Creek
is usually good for an artifact or two.

Joe

if i find anything of note while im there this weekend joe, ill post pics of it.