Summary
The area boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, deer, turkey, and small game. Visitors are allowed to hunt, fish, and hike in the area.
One of the main reasons to visit Needmore Game Land is for outdoor recreation. The area has several hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the southern portion of the land. The area is also popular for trout fishing in the Nantahala River.
One of the most interesting points of interest in the area is the Needmore Cemetery, which dates back to the 1880s and is the final resting place for many early settlers in the area. Visitors can also explore the remains of old homes and buildings from the 1800s.
Visitors should note that the area is closed to hunting during the summer months, but the best time of year to visit for outdoor recreation is during the fall and winter months. The area is also known for its stunning fall foliage.
In summary, Needmore Game Land offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of North Carolina's wilderness and wildlife through outdoor recreation, hiking, and fishing. The area's historical cemetery and old homes add an interesting element to the visit. The best time to visit is during the fall and winter months.
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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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