On state park land
Permission needed
Written permission, state park land only.
1. The rule, in full
Tennessee – 0400-02-02-.18
Operative text. The use of any mineral or metal detecting device capable of detecting the underground or underwater location of geological, archaeological or historical objects or materials is prohibited in Tennessee state parks.
Three exceptions: navigation electronics such as fathometers or radar on boats and aircraft; the holder of a State Archaeologist research permit countersigned by the Director of Parks; and a supervised, limited search for a specific lost item under the park superintendent.
Scope: TDEC Division of State Parks, chapter 0400-02-02 "Public Use and Recreation". Rule .18 is headed "Preservation of Public Property, Natural Features, Curiosities and Resources".
Determination: state parks only. Does NOT reach municipal parks.
Separate and worth a state-level note: the Division of Archaeology holds the exclusive right to excavate on state land, artifacts from state land are property of the State of Tennessee, and defacing sites is a misdemeanour.
Source: publications.tnsosfiles.com rules 0400-02-02. Checked 19 Sep 2026.
2. Cities in Tennessee that publish a rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
3. County rules
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
4. Cities checked — no published rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.