Scan the soft shoulder or hard-packed dirt path?

[UncleVinnys]

I did a little survey along about a mile of dirt path near the American River in Folsom, California.
A mile in one direction I scanned the soft, grassy shoulder of the path, and on the return trip middle of the walkway, which is hard-packed dirt for hikers and bikers.

The grassy shoulder yielded 7 coins and 3 bottle caps.
The packed dirt yielded ZERO coins and 10 bottle caps and other junk.
I plan to repeat the experiment on a more widely used path.
This walkway is pretty remote, behind Folsom Prison.
It's not very popular except for dog walkers.

 

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[IDXMonster]

That is cool as hell Vinny! What a historic place and a great view!

 

[A2coins]

Ive hunted the Arboretum here in A2 Mi and found some good coins , I never thought about doing the trails themselves I found two of my oldest coins on the paths and many others and the funny part is they were only 1/2 inch deep.

 

[Molewacker]

IMHO Coins can be either side and in between. If in summer when the dirt is dry, they may be picked up or bounce to the side. When the trail gets muddy, the coins don't bounce, land in the mud.

I have found coins both on and off the local fishing trails - in about the same amount.

 

[UncleVinnys]

Yeah, I agree with Molewacker.
That experience was a sample of 1.
I expect in most places you'll find coins spread across the whole area.