Here in North Georgia during the summer months, Chanterelles will start popping up to forage, and they are edible! They have a bright yellow and orange color. They are sought after because they are supposedly delicious but I have never tried one. They are said to have a mild peppery taste. The cap is wavy and funnel-shaped, unlike the dome caps I'm used to looking for. Chanterelles have a fruity apricot aroma, which will help in identifying them. Chanterelles are commonly mistaken for Jack O' Lantern mushrooms. Chanterelles grow from the soil, while Jack O' Lantern mushrooms grow on wood and often in clusters. They also slightly resemble pumpkins. They are not deadly, but they will not make you feel well if you eat them. When you cut open the two, Jack O' Lantern mushrooms have orange flesh while chanterelles have white or cream-colored.
There is another type of false chanterelle that looks nearly identical and is hard to tell apart. It is not toxic but they don't taste good. If you smell them and it doesn't smell fruity and it smells like any mushroom you'd find at a store then it is a false chanterelle. The smell isn't always the best way to tell. If you plan on eating anything you find in the wild you should do your research for the true and fake mushrooms to identify them. When in doubt throw it out.
The best places to look for Chanterelles are the forest floor. Chanterelles are mycorrhizal which means they grow from tree roots. The best trees to look at for Chanterelles are oak, birch, beech, spruce, or Douglas fir trees. They grow best when the weather isn't too hot. They love moist areas but require soil with good drainage. They also love rain and shade. Consistent rain is best for chanterelles to grow, so look forward to that summer rainfall!
Black Trumpet mushrooms are close cousins to the Chanterelle and they are supposed to be very tasty. their nickname is "trumpet of death" even though they are not toxic, and are edible. Supposedly Black trumpet mushrooms taste similar to chanterelle mushrooms but have more of a smoky flavor. Black trumpets are hollow and have a funnel shape similar to the Chanterelle. Because of the shape, dirt, and things you don't want to be eating accumulate inside the mushroom. To eat them they should be opened and thoroughly cleaned. They are found in the same areas as chanterelles but can be harder to find because their dark grey, brown, and black colors make them harder to find on the forest floor.
When harvesting any mushrooms, it is best to cut them near the base. Don't disturb the mycelium and remember your spot to come back for more later! Leaving the base behind gives a better chance for more to grow.