Gold was first discovered in Alabama in 1832 at Arbacoochee, AL and by 1840 Arbacoochee was the gold mining center of the US with a population of over 5,000.  They mined about $5 million of gold in the area.  Arbacoochee does not show up on Google maps today and has become somewhat of a ghost town.  The location here is based on old maps and if you visit the region, the locals will be able to direct you to the town center.  Most the mines were located toward the south around  33°34'18.27"N  85°31'13.49"W.  All the creeks in this region are potential placer mining spots (as well as those around Arbacoochee).  New veins were discovered as recently as the 1990s.  

The writer has found gold in the region.  You will not get rich but there is good chance you will find flecks of gold and an outside chance of finding a nugget (although highly unlikely).  If you attempt to do placer mining (you will obviously need a gold pan), you will need to make sure that you are not on private property.  Where small roads cross creeks in the region are excellent targets.  But asking the locals where you might pan is the best policy.  They can tell you what land is private and where to get permission.  

• http://www.examiner.com/article/little-remains-of-historic-gold-mining-town