Summary
Spanning over 47,000 acres, the area is home to a diverse range of habitats, including swamps, forests, and wetlands, providing a home for a variety of wildlife species.
One of the main reasons to visit North River Game Land is the opportunity to explore the vast natural beauty of the area. Visitors can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing, as well as hunting and fishing. There are also several points of interest to see, including the Milltail Creek, which flows through the northern section of the game land, and the historic Civil War-era Fort Anderson.
Interesting facts about the area include its designation as a game land, which means it is managed specifically for the purpose of providing wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. Visitors can also learn about the area's history as a site of significant Civil War battles, including the Battle of Fort Anderson.
The best time of year to visit North River Game Land varies depending on the outdoor activity you want to enjoy. Hunting season typically runs from September to January, while the best time for fishing is from March to May. Spring and fall are also excellent times to visit for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Overall, North River Game Land is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty of North Carolina and learn about its rich history.
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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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