State Game Lands 117
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
State Game Lands 117, located in West Virginia, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique and diverse natural experience.
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Summary
This expansive area offers several reasons to visit, including its breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and recreational activities.
One of the main attractions of State Game Lands 117 is its stunning landscape, characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. This makes it an ideal destination for hiking, camping, birdwatching, and photography. The area is also home to several bodies of water, such as streams, ponds, and small lakes, providing opportunities for fishing and boating.
Nature lovers will be delighted by the diverse wildlife found within State Game Lands 117. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, with various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors may spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bears, foxes, and numerous bird species, including bald eagles and songbirds.
Exploring the area reveals many points of interest worth seeing. For instance, there are numerous well-marked trails that lead visitors through different habitats and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Some trails may even lead to hidden waterfalls or panoramic overlooks. Additionally, State Game Lands 117 is home to several designated hunting areas, attracting hunters during specific seasons.
Interesting facts about State Game Lands 117 include its purpose as a managed wildlife and recreational area by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. It serves as a sanctuary for various species, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in the state. The management practices employed here ensure the sustainable use of natural resources while providing recreational opportunities.
The best time of year to visit State Game Lands 117 depends on personal preferences and the activities visitors wish to engage in. Spring and summer bring vibrant foliage, blooming wildflowers, and ample opportunities for birdwatching and fishing. Fall offers stunning displays of changing colors as the leaves transform, making it an excellent time for hiking and wildlife observation. Winter provides a unique experience with the possibility of snow-covered landscapes and the chance to engage in activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
When gathering information about State Game Lands 117, it is important to verify the details across multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy. Additionally, reviewing official websites or contacting local authorities can provide up-to-date information on rules, regulations, and any seasonal closures or restrictions.
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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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