Federal and state lands are off limits for digging. On lakes like Cumberland, the Corps owns the bank well into the tree line. If you are on private property, and have the permission of the landowner, digging is legal. The one exception is if you come across human remains. If you hit human remains, no matter how old, on any land, it is against the law.

One other note, if you are collecting chert/flint, please do not knap it where you find it. You'll end up creating an archaeological site. Best to use a tarp to collect the flakes/chips from knapping and dispose of in a known dump.

Andrew