Chowan Game Lands - Bear Spotter

Total Miles
3.1

Elevation

12.69 ft

Duration

1 Hours

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

Bear Spotter is a seasonal section of trails in the Chowan Swamp Game Lands. It's a scenic area of the game lands that are generally only open during deer season. The trail starts at the Gatlington Boat Ramp and proceeds down season paths that are primarily hunter access roads and are also designated for horse riding. The route briefly follows Sandbanks Road before hitting the dirt again at Buck Road and meandering deeper into the game lands. Be mindful that in some places, the trail borders and crosses private land. Please respect posted signage and avoid trespassing on private land. Riding through this area can almost guarantee seeing deer, turkey, and if you're lucky, a black bear or two!

Photos of Chowan Game Lands - Bear Spotter

Chowan Game Lands - Bear Spotter
Chowan Game Lands - Bear Spotter

Difficulty

The trail is almost entirely hard-packed dirt road. There are a few places where the surface is loose sand. Most SUVs should be able to complete the route without the use of 4WD. During and after rainfall, the trail may be more difficult.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Will Garrett
Jun 01, 2024
2017 Jeep Wrangler
Temporarily Closed
Seasonal Closure
Closed Gate
Reid Fraser
Mar 14, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Dusty
We followed the trail from near the boat launch to the road where the gate was closed. The trail was well traveled with some sandy sections and rolling bumps.
George Perkins
Mar 10, 2024
4x4
Permanently Closed
Locked Gate

Access Description

The Chowan Gamelands are accessed from Sandbanks Road off US-13 in Gates County, North Carolina.

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