Linville River Game Land
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Linville River Game Land is a large game reserve located in the state of North Carolina, known for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and recreational activities.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The area is spread over 9,414 acres and provides visitors with endless opportunities for hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
One of the main reasons to visit Linville River Game Land is its abundant wildlife. The area is home to a variety of species of animals, including black bear, deer, wild turkey, grouse, and many others. The land also boasts a range of bird species that are rare to find elsewhere in the state, such as the golden-winged warbler and the cerulean warbler.
Linville River Game Land is also known for its scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys, pristine streams, and lush forests that make up the landscape. Some of the most popular hiking trails in the area include the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Linville Gorge Trail, and the Harper Creek Trail.
Interesting facts about Linville River Game Land include that it was established in the 1950s as a cooperative effort between the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the U.S. Forest Service. The area was originally used for logging and farming, but was later designated as a game land to protect the natural resources and promote wildlife conservation.
The best time of year to visit Linville River Game Land varies depending on the activity. Spring and fall are great times for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, while the summer months are perfect for camping and water activities. Hunting season typically takes place in the fall and winter months.
Overall, Linville River Game Land is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. With its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities, it offers something for everyone.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Paddy Creek Campground
Lake James State Park
Horseshoe Bend Family Campground
Steele Creek Park & Family Campground
Daniel Boone Family Campground