Lumber River State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Lumber River State Park is a natural oasis located in the southeastern part of North Carolina.
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Summary
The park covers 11,000 acres and is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. There are several good reasons to visit Lumber River State Park, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and camping.
One of the main points of interest in Lumber River State Park is the Lumber River itself, which is a blackwater river that flows through the park for 115 miles. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the river and its many tributaries. There are also several hiking trails in the park that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Another interesting fact about Lumber River State Park is that it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors may spot bald eagles, ospreys, river otters, and alligators, among other animals.
The best time of year to visit Lumber River State Park depends on your interests. Spring and fall are popular times for hiking and camping, while summer is ideal for water activities like canoeing and kayaking. Winter is a good time to visit if you enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Overall, Lumber River State Park is a beautiful and diverse natural area that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or just a peaceful retreat, this park is definitely worth a visit.
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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.
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